Hello folks,

Any of you who have been turning wood grips have any experience with Honey Locust, Black Locust, or Pecan? They all seem to have interesting grain patterns, but I am concerned with how easily they are turned on a lathe and drilled for holes. You can answer on the web or send me a rsponse at mickgylblm@earthlink.net.

Thanks,

Mike Blomme

I just turned and bored 2 pieces of stabilised black locust and it seemed pretty easy to work with. I just bored them and turned round though. Haven't made anything yet. Interesting looking wood.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike , I just have turned a couple zebra wood handles and they really look good. I crosscut the wood and it really stands out, I have finished them with tru-oil and tru-oil sheen and polish. Using chameleon colored guides from forecast, and I think that it really will be flashy. As to how they will stand up, I don't know yet, but it turns very easy, actually it seems quite soft. My next project is going to be Bocote, and that looks like it will be interesting also. I have seen cedar handles, sycamore, juniper and I thing that they are gorgeous. I am using the handles on ultra lite rods. As far as drilling no problem. Just go slow, I use 135 degree split point parabolic bits, and finish up with 135 degree split point bits that are xtra long.

Pecan is awesome....especially old growth Pecan. I have some from a 100 plus year old feleld tree that got whacked during the last BIG flood.....awesome stuff.

Andy Dear
www.lamarfishing.com

I've used Pecan from SW GA - The Peeeeecan Capital of the World. I really like it.