The Nature & Beauty of Needlewood

[Euge]

Wondered if I should put this in the Turning Forum or Wood Forum, but decided that it belonged here where we can appreciate the beauty of this species from this ssmall lab of Hooked Needlewood, Hakea leucoptera, cut from the base of a small, dryland tree with hooked pointy foliage. Its found in NSW and Qld many years ago.

This bowl was turned from a small slab about 20-25 cm square x 35 mm thick. It was first offered to boxmakers who didn't show interest. Maybe to small or holey.
So, I finally I gave it to a friend (Harry) from northern Vic who is a keen and excellent turner (by my unofficial standards).
Harry is also an active member of our wood society (IWCS) and former Trustee.

Well blow-me-down it comes back to me, only a little lighter, as splendid shallow bowl, with a beautiful satin (Livos oil?) finish.

This is not the first time this has happened but this time I want to show tne beauty of the wood to others. What I like is what this turner shows of this wood:

… its dark pink-red with hints of purple-brown, fine in texture and quite dense
…. its figure, like most Proteaceae, shows rays in a "lacey" pattern and interesting birds-eyes

finally I really like that he left, the interesting / one-of-a-kind perimeter instead of turning it off, contrasting the round internals, square ends and irregular ends

Euge

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[aldav]

Yes, Harry certainly knows a thing or two about timber and turning. You couldn't count the number of people he's started off on their turning journey. Arguably the most valuable member of our local club. :)

[Ironwood]

He has done a great job showcasing some beautiful timber in that piece. Thanks for showing us Euge.
I still have a few Needlewood pen blanks in my stash, will have to dig them out when I get a chance.

[Euge]

Yes, Harry certainly knows a thing or two about timber and turning. You couldn't count the number of people he's started off on their turning journey. Arguably the most valuable member of our local club. :)

Arguably, Harry is also the most active member & contributor to IWCS as well.
Many turnings are in his specialty (those oriental looking) lidded boxes for our forthcoming meeting in Canberra.
Thanks Harry (Hey, I have more wood for you if you're running low :U)

Euge

[Euge]

He has done a great job showcasing some beautiful timber in that piece. Thanks for showing us Euge.
I still have a few Needlewood pen blanks in my stash, will have to dig them out when I get a chance.

You're welcome.

Just went back and saw the lovely pen you made from this same species. This arvo I cut a bit for tool handles (but not as lacey as that above).
Its amazing how much paler (pink-red) it is until its finished, eg with oil, when it darkens a lot.

[tony_A]

That's a spectacular piece of wood and beautifully turned. Thanks for showing.

Tony