I’ve worked with and reported on Red Gum previously. It is important to note that the “red” refers to the heartwood but in this case I was working with the whitish spalted sapwood. The piece turned easily, cut cleanly, and finished out nicely.
Red Gum Spalted
California Pepper is a completely new wood and since the tree is strictly an ornamental shade tree it isn’t commercially sold for lumber or turning stock. I obtained mine for free from someone taking out an ornamental specimen. California Pepper, despite the common name, isn’t native to California at all, rather being native to South America, especially Peru where it is known as Peruvian Balsam. It is properly known as Schinus molle but I will refer to it as California Pepper. California Pepper is named because it is incredibly common in California, especially in the central valleys, primarily because it does very well under the conditions of some winter rain followed by hot and dry summers without the need for additional watering, making it a very water-wise shade tree option. California Pepper trees have been planted in the state since the arrival of the Jesuit missionaries in the 18th century.
California Pepper Interior
As a turning wood California Pepper pleasantly surprised me. It is moderately hard and turns cleanly and easily with very little sanding required to achieve a fine finish. That said, this bowl is not for everyone because of the extreme checking and natural voids that are present. I not only don’t mind these features, I think they add to the overall effect and desirability of the bowl. While you can’t put liquids in it, you would have to admit that it is unique even if it isn’t your style. I enjoyed the experience and am happy to report that I have at least three additional blanks of California Pepper.
California Pepper Exterior
All cuts were made using the Easy Wood Tool system on my Robust American Beauty lathe. Forward chucking was in a Nova Chuck, while reverse chucking was done using a Nova Chuck with Cole Jaws. Sanding was with Gold and Green Wave sanding discs from Packard Woodworks. Final finish is Shellawax.
As always, I wish all my readers a great experience in whatever your wood working interests happen to be and to those who like working with lathes especially, do a good turn today!