Sumac wood

[Winemaker]

I have just been given some Sumac wood from one of my neighbors, its leaking white sticky sap shuld I clean it off before sealing the ends or let dry a bit first??. Also whats it like to turn they are not very wide in diameter so should I split it done for bowl to get better grain pattern or just slice it across for bowls any advice would be welcome in any respect abut Sumac wood would gratefully accepted as I know nothing about it and its not in any of my books. Many thanks. Tom
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[bassethound]

Depends if you like turning end grain Tom, could take some time to dry out unless you use a microwave, best grain would be by splitting it down for spindle use I would say, just me though!.....

 

[Penpal]

What is it like in the centre Tom it has a history of being pulpy there? I note Geordie put up a beaut pen recently running with the grain it had a greenish appearance like Lignum.

Peter.

 

[Vic Perrin]

I think I would spit em down the centre Tom then seal the ends and let em dry a bit. A few short spells in the microwave would speed up the process.

I can see some lovely little trinket bowls and a couple of natural edged small bowls there.

 

[wm460]

Interesting grain there Tom, look forwards to see what you make from it.

 

[lignaterrae]

Stagshorn sumac is an excellent wood. It never grows very big - 6" diameter is about the best usually encountered - and the stem and branches are short and twisted. Although fairly soft it's beautifully coloured, a mid-green background overlaid with stripings of dark green, brown and yellow plus a bright white sapwood. The colours don't fade either. A layers of cells under the bark ooze a sticky white latex when fresh cut but the latex dries and hardens so don't bother trying to remove it before drying.
I've found the best way to dry it is to cut the round billets in half through the fairly wide central pith, seal the ends with PVA then leave them alone for a few months.It dries rather well, very little splitting.
A beautiful and under-rated timber, get hold of all you can. Uses are limited only by the small sizes available.When you turn it you'll notice it also has a lovely scent, rather like sweet lemonade to my nose.