turning bougainvillea

[colh]

Hi all

has anyone tried turning Bougainvillea? How does it go?

I have a piece about 80mm dia that I cut down a couple of weeks ago - is it likely to be suitable for a couple of goblets?

cheers

Colin

[journeyman Mick]

Colin, this isn't answering your question, rather throwing another one at you. Have you considered whether Bougainvillea is suitable for an eating or drinking vessel? The reason I ask is that I know from encounters with the #%@**! stuff that any scratches from the thorns get horribly itchy and mildly infected. Other thab that all I can tell you is that it's very tough and pretty weather resistant.

Mick

[colh]

thanks Mick and Doorstop

I agree the thorns on the stuff are evil - a fabulous natural protective device. I note its not listed in the Bad Woods site, but also that the site does not claim to be comprehensive.

unfortunately if I rip it down the middle it won't leave a lot to play with - I haven't got into making pens yet. Is the cracking likely to be reduced if I was to green turn it into say goblets or vases ie take out most of the centre wood?

Colin