Turning Camellia?

[seanz]

I've got a decent sized camellia tree (maybe 200mm at the base of the trunk) at the front of our house and it needs to come down. Anybody turned it? It might have other uses I suppose but turning it was the first thing I thought of.

I did a search and found this.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f22/camellia-8418/

But I just wondered if anybody else had had experience with it.



If nobody knows anything, is it OK if I start a rumour that camellia wood chisel handles prevent rust?
:q

[issatree]

Hi Seanz,
It is one of the Best Timbers to turn. Cotoneaster is hard & Camellia is on the same level. One of my Favourite Woods to turn, although it is hard to get.
You could try a green bit, but it would be better when it is dry. From memory it doesn't take long to dry. I would leave it in length, turn it upside down, & put the date on it, & wait.

[seanz]

Thanks Issatree. I'll make sure it gets well looked after and not turned into firewood or mulch then.

Post code 3215, eh? I'll be visiting Mum & Dad in 3222 (Clifton Springs) in the near future. Small world.
:)

[dai sensei]

I used Camellia branches for some of my earlier finials. Nice to turn, hard, fine grained and polished well. The photo below has a camellia finial and stand.

Cheers

[rodent]

Ive turned camellia and magnolia and the both turn well and come to a fine finish as Neil ( dai sensei (http://www.woodworkforums.com/members/6155-dai-sensei/)) has said .
And are great for pen laminating or inserts as well .