I first wrote about Bocote back in 2015 and then an update in 2017. So, it seems that it has been about 4 years since I last worked with Bocote, which is shame since it is such a great wood to turn.
I turned this 6″ x 3″ bowl as part of a much larger turning project that involves over 70 pieces. It is the sole representative of Bocote in the bunch although I am positive I have more Bocote stored away in the stacks of blanks.
Bocote Interior
As has been my experience in the past, Bocote turns
wonderfully. It products lots of powdery shavings and I think it smells nice as well. Bocote tends to cut reasonably cleanly which is helpful since Bocote is very oily and it will gum up sandpaper, turning it useless, in a matter of seconds. My solution to that problem is Abranet, which is a sanding screen instead of solid paper which reduces, but certainly does not eliminate, the problem of clogging. Abranet is actually designed to be washed after use to rinse out any adhering material and then used again and again.
Being oily, Bocote takes a very high natural shine to the extent that it almost seems a shame to use an additional finish, but I did apply my favorite, Shellawax, at the end.
I think this little piece looks pretty nifty and I was pleased to have the chance to work with Bocote again.
Bocote Reverse
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 Abranet 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!