A friend of mine Chuck Blewett was kind enough to bring me a few rather impressive Black Walnut logs, which I cut into sections and then marked up to get the best cuts.
At the end of the chain sawing process I had a number of very interesting pieces.
These were transferred one at a time to the lathe and green turned, to the shape that in my view best suited the piece of wood and brought out the beauty of what nature had created.
By the end of the day I had about 7 rough forms.
These then got put into double paper bags and labeled with their date and content and stored in a cool place. In about 4 to 6 months we will get them out and put them in the warm workshop and after about 8 to 12 months they will be ready for the final turning.
What the Woodworkers Guide has to say about American Walnut (Juglans Nigra)
Characteristics: A tough wood with even but rather coarse texture, usually straight-grained but can be wavy. The sapwood is light in color, contrasting with rich dark-brown to purplish-black heartwood. the wood is strong, moderately durable and has good steam-bending properties.
Workability: It works well with hand and machine tools and glues well.
Common Uses: Furniture, gun stocks, interior joinery, musical instruments, turnery, carving, plywood, veneer.