Exotic wood for turning is usually prized for its striking appearance, but there are other factors that come into play. Many have unusual figuring and colours, with an additional story or anecdote, making them top choices for custom pens and other lathe projects. Here are some popular exotic woods along with some facts that make them a little extra special.
Exotic Wood for Turning Pens
Cabreuva. Cabreuva is sometimes referred to as “Santos mahogany“, although it is not related to mahogany at all. It is well known for its aromatic resin, called “balsam of Peru”, which is used in perfume. You can also find it in cough syrup and salves. When turning cabreuva, you might notice it has a noticeably spicy scent reminiscent of vanilla, cinnamon or cloves.
Sumac. This member of the cashew family has tiny hairs on its bark that stop animals from eating it. Dried fruit from the Sumac tree is ground down and used as a spice in cooking, but it is better known for dying textiles and tanning leather. You can also boil the leaves to make black ink.
Sycamore. Sycamore trees can live up to 600 years. The older trees often have hollow trunks. As the sycamore grows, the upper branches and trunk shed their bark, exposing the white wood beneath, earning them the name of “ghost trees.” Sycamore tends to grow along rivers, leading lost hikers to water. It also happens to have the largest leaf of any tree in North America.
Ironwood. Ironwood is so dense that it is made into ship propeller shaft bushings and bearings. It is self-lubricating and can last three times as long as metal. It’s been used to fashion wheels, rollers and even bowling balls! When attempting to turn ironwood, be sure to use very sharp tools and make small cuts. This wood is so dense it can explode on the lathe and even ruin tools.
Unusual wood for lathe projects
Whiskey Barrel Wood. Whiskey is aged in white oak barrels. These barrels play a big role in the whiskey’s colour and taste. The insides are charred with fire to draw out the wood’s natural sugars and caramelize them. That’s why when you buy a pen blank made from a whiskey barrel, one side of it is charred and black.
Bethlehem Olive Wood. Olive trees are known as the “immortal tree” because they can live for hundreds of years. Olive wood has long been a symbol of prosperity, fertility and peace and the oil has been used in religious ceremonies and cuisine for centuries. Olive wood from Bethlehem is especially prized for its spiritual associations.
Ancient Bog Oak. Ancient bog oak, also known as bog wood, comes from oak trees that have been preserved in peat bogs, fens, or other wetlands for thousands of years. Lack of oxygen slows down the decay process, while minerals in the water stain the wood a deep black colour. This unique wood is at least 5500 years old and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Red Coolibah. The red coolibah tree is featured in the Australian folk song, “Waltzing Matilda”, which tells a story about a wandering traveller who meets an unfortunate end. He becomes a ghost who forever haunts a “billabong”, which is a watering hole. This song, known as a “bush ballad” is sometimes called Australia’s unofficial national anthem.
Choosing the right exotic wood for your pen kit
There’s an overwhelming choice of pen blanks for wood turning. Many trees have interesting stories behind them, including domestic varieties. This makes it difficult to choose, but it also provides wood turners with endless possibilities for personalizing handmade gifts. Knowing some lore about the wood you turn can make your products stand out at handmade markets and online. William Wood-Write has hundreds of blanks to choose from and project kits for every turner from beginner to expert.
