Has anyone ever turned wood from a tulip tree? Is it any good?

I've done a few and it seems fine. Turns and shapes very well and often features some attractive figure, usually light to medium red/pink with white. Finish with Tru-Oil as it will need a top coating if you're going to use it outdoors.

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I have used tulip wood for years and it is an excellent wood for turning. Does not have a tendency to tear unless you have dull tools. Sands beautifully and after final sanding and boning just needs to be buffed with carnuba wax. This is the tropical version and not wood from the northern hemisphere Tulip Tree which is a totally different wood.

Yes, I've made both reel seats and winding checks with this wood and i like the light grain with pink figuring. It's especially striking on dark blanks.

Go forth and make chips.

Terry

It is a soft wood, but that makes it easy to work. Has a very even and open grain structure, so if you want to stain it, it will stain easily, before you apply final finish

Fred, you must be talking about domestic tulip wood and not the tropical variety. The tropical is very hard and does not have open grain.