First I am not an expert turner - more of a "tried it a couple times" novice. Looking for some insights on American Elm. A buddy gave me 6-7 chunks of partially dry Elm. Square up a billet and decided to turn a file handle. I tried to use a set of carbide tools on it with horrible results. Tear outs, fuzz and all manner of ugliness. I went back to a roughing gouge and skew with ok results but sill not like turning maple. The Skew gave some beautiful curls which was a first for but the surface was still ragged fuzzy.
Question: Carbide and wet/damp wood no? yes? or is just a function of the stringy Elm?