Spalted Hickory troubles

[sdb777]

This morning, after a failed attempt to re-finish a piece of Blackpalm, I sectioned off a 3-1/2" piece of spalted hickory to make a crow call out of....
Drilled the 5/8" hole through, no problem.
Placed drilled blank on my 5/8" mandrel and got ready to make some shavings! Turned on the lathe at a moderately slow speed(800-ish rpm), and knocked down the sharp corners....no problem so far.
Adjusted the rest, moved a belt, and turned the lathe back on with the dial in slow(variable knob)....andvancing the speed to blurr the wood. Grabbed the small gouge and BANG! I didn't even touch the blank/wood with the freakin chisel!
All I had left in the lathe was the 5/8" mandrel. One big chunk of hickory was behind the refrigator and a few small pieces were under the trash can. Talk about needing to clean out your draws!!!


The wood split in a black spalt line.
Is this something that is common with spalted wood? If it is, how do I keep this from happening again?



P.S. Didn't get hit, but then again I was right there....

Scott (time to change those draws now) B

[sachbvn]

Prime example of why you should have a faceshield!!

Spalted wood is likely very weak in certain areas.... that's the nature of what spalting is.....imagine a beautiful rot....

You could "stabalize" with thin CA glue....with that you can put it on heavy and sloppy because you will eventually be turning, sanding and refinishing the pen anyways...

You could turn a bit, then use CA, then turn, then use CA etc... Eventually you will be done and have a realy nice pen to be proud of!! I think the best pens are the ones that take more care and special work to complete.

Zac

[Ruffnek]

Wait until that happens with a 10" bowl spinning at around 800 rpm.

It's just the nature of turning. Sometimes there are hidden cracks along spalted lines and sometimes, the wood just can't stand the strain of being turned.

Like Zac said, always wear your faceshield (says me who only wears safety glasses) to protect your face from those missiles. Changing your shorts after a blow-up is optional. ;D

[sachbvn]

Well - if your mug is all beat to hell anyways - safety glasses might be all you need! *I kid I kid* Seriously - $15 for a faceshield when you are just starting out....totally worth it.


Zac

[Ruffnek]

Zac,

My Mama was the only one who ever told me I was good looking and she looked sorta doubtful when she said it.

[sachbvn]

lmao - Cody - I know just the feelin'...well - not really, gals always kinda liked me!


Zac

[fredbelknap]

Feb 9, 2010 18:24:14 GMT -6 sachbvn said:

lmao - Cody - I know just the feelin'...well - not really, gals always kinda liked me!


Zac

Zac it ain't always the face ;D ;D ;D