Best Wood for Turning on Lathe in 2022 – Reviews & Buyers Guide

Choosing the best wood for working on the lathe isn’t just about choosing a type of wood that you know and you’re familiar with. There are certain qualities that should be considered in order to really have the best options. While we certainly have some wood recommendations to share, we also wanted to give you some insight as to how you can choose good wood for your projects.

Consider Appearance

The first thing you probably need to consider is what the wood looks like and what your end project will look like as well. Regardless of the type of wood, the way it looks will make a significant difference in the end result.

We recommend looking for high-quality wood that comes from mature trees, rather than new trees. There is just something about that aged and matured look that really works so much better overall. It will smell sweet and woody and it will look awesome when you start creating.

Durability

Another important factor to consider is the durability of the wood. You’re going to be honing the wood with sharp tools and utensils and it needs to be able to hold up to the work. Wood turning wood option will be strong and sturdy but will also be pliable enough that you can create without wanting to take a chainsaw to it.

In addition to durability so that it holds up for your work efforts, you also want durability for the circumstances. Will this wood last when your project is complete? Will the wood be able to stand up to climate changes if it travels the world? Will this wood end up destroyed by things like fungus or pests?

All of these are considerations and questions that you should ask when you are choosing your wood. If you’re a beginner, you will get to know these details just by looking at the wood you’re using.

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Color of Wood

One noteworthy distinction for good quality wood as opposed to weak or inferior wood is the color. Strong woods that are good quality typically will display darker colors in the exterior, this is true even of light colored wood choices. Don’t confuse this characteristic with having to use a dark-colored wood for success.

Look for the grain in the core and a darker, accentuating color that is right for the type of wood you are using.

Check Out the Fibers

Another thing that you will want to take a look at is the fiber of the wood. If you’re looking for quality wood to use, look for something that is firm and straight overall. You want to avoid warping as much as possible, especially if you use lumber for your project creations.

Take a look at the grains of the fibers of the wood and note whether they are twisted or whether they are compact and straight as a whole. If there is just a little bit of twisting or warping, you will most likely be fine but you should definitely look for straight overall.

Workability

Obviously, you are going to transition this wood into a masterpiece of creation. You can’t very well do that if the wood is not workable. You want wood that will be versatile and will conform to your standards so you can create.

The best wood will work to anything and will be primarily versatile for you to conquer your tasks. Look for woods that are low in resin as these tend to be far more workable overall.

Check the Sound

That’s right! You can often tell if wood will be good for working with by checking out the sound. High-quality woods will produce clear sound. Try this out. Strike the wood with a tool of some sort, not to destroy it. Does it produce a heavy and dull sound or does it produce a clear ringing?

If the sound is dull and heavy, this wood might actually be rotting inside but it’s not great quality regardless. You want to hear that clear ringing when you strike it to really know that you have good wood!

Wood Elasticity

Finally, your wood needs to have some elasticity. We don’t mean that your wood should stretch like a rubber band. What you’re looking for here is wood that can be shaped and formed but won’t break while you work.

When you consider projects like a bow or even a fishing rod, these are sturdy pieces of wood that have just a touch of flexibility to them but don’t break apart under the pressure they endure when put to use.

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The Best Wood Choices for the Lathe

Alright, we’ve shared some features and qualities to look for when you’re perusing the wood but now let’s get to business and talk about wood and why it’s a good choice.

When you’re looking at wood, you will find some that are hardwood and some that are softwood. You can use from either category for woodworking but you just need to be familiar as you might handle the wood differently.

Here’s what you should know. Hardwood typically has a rough texture and is more fire-resistant and sturdy overall. They are dense and complex by design. These types of wood also tend to be more expensive. However, people will pay for products made with them and they are often used for high-end furniture and projects.

In comparison, softwood has a simple texture and is non-porous. This makes it slightly less durable overall. It’s less dense and complicated to work with. However, despite being inferior in some ways, the proper ones are still quite great and can be used for quality products. The majority of timber is made from softwood.

Here are our favorites for wood turning. You can also take a look at this tutorial for some hardwood options with recommendations.

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