problem turning red palm

[Benjamin Dahl]

I was trying to make a couple of pens with red palm this weekend and kept having tear out that ruined the piece. this stuff is very fibrous and I was trying not to be too aggressive but still did not have any luck. I still have some left and would like to use it as I think it has the potential to look good. should I occasionally stop and use thin CA to strengthen it? any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thaks,
Ben

[Dario Octaviano]

Yep, thin CA every now and then until you can just sand it down.

Most critical areas are the ends...soak those well.

Good luck!

[David Walser]

I think most use CA glue, but the other "common" methods of stabilizing a piece of wood should work, too:

• Soak the blank in a 50/50 mix of wood glue and water.
• Soak the blank in thinned lacquer (or another "hard" finish).
• Soak the blank in Minwax' Wood Hardener.
• Cast the blank in acrylic or similar plastic polymer using a pressure can to "force" the plastic deep into the blank.

Each of these methods has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. CA glue, lacquer, Wood Hardener, and of course, casting in acrylic will limit your options for a final finish. CA glue does not penetrate too deeply, so a small catch may cause the blank to come apart. The glue and lacquer methods may not sufficiently harden the blank. In other words, your mileage may vary...

[Bonnie Campbell]

I used MinWax hardener on some sabal palm I made into bowls and turkey calls. I soaked the wood in it. I still had hairy fibers that stood out from the wood after turning, but sanding took them off easily.

[laurie sullivan]

hey everyone,

red palm or black palm, that is the question........what i do, is turn the blank a little proud and the just sand it down to the where i want it, then raise the sandpaper # until i get the finish i want. thin ca to start, thick to finish.

you think it's hard with the grain, try it against the grain. good luck.

laurie