I have worked with and written at length about Cedar of Lebanon in the past and for the most part, my experience and opinion hasn’t changed.
This Cedar of Lebanon blank cut easily and quickly with very few rough spots. What end grain roughness existed sanded out quite quickly.
Cedar of Lebanon Interior
As easy as Cedar of Lebanon is to work with, I am still not terribly impressed with it as a turning wood even though it does turn easily and cleanly. My hesitation comes due to the lack of character or interest that Cedar of Lebanon seems to suffer from. Even though this piece has quite extensive figure that adds a lot of interest, Cedar of Lebanon just doesn’t really compare to the results one gets with many of the exotic hardwoods that I have on hand as well. I also am not entirely pleased with the way Cedar of Lebanon takes the finish. It seems to be sort of drab no matter what finish I use and no matter how smooth I prepare the surface.
Cedar of Lebanon Reverse
That said, this Cedar of Lebanon blank was more interesting and colorful than that which I have worked with in the past and at least one person who viewed the three bowls I made today picked the Cedar of Lebanon as their favorite. I’m always learning that the wood that is one person’s meh is another person’s wow.
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!