Smaller Paduak Bowl

This smaller, 7.5″ x 1.75″, Paduak bowl was turned as part of a larger Paduak project about which I will write later.  I pulled this piece from the general discussion because it has several unique features not shared by any of the other pieces I am turning.

Paduak With Sapwood 1

The first thing that is unique about this piece is that the sapwood is present and it is quite clearly demarcated.  The contrast between the whitish sapwood and the brilliant orange-red of the heartwood makes it seem as though two different species were joined together for effect, but this is all natural.  It is unusual to see Paduak sapwood because most wood workers would reject a piece that included the white sapwood insisting on all heartwood.  I am an oddball in lots of respects when it comes to wood working and I really enjoy seeing the contrast between the sap and heartwoods.  I think it makes for very unique and interesting pieces.  Because it was unusual, this blank came at a premium: $24.95 for an 8″ x 2″.

Paduak With Sapwood 2

Another unique feature is the evidence of slight spalting, a polite way of saying rot, that is present in the sapwood if you look closely for the telltale black streaks.  Spalt in Paduak heartwood is essentially unheard of as Paduak has excellent resistance to both insect and mold damage, so the only way to see spalt in Paduak is to include some sapwood which is what we have here.

As a side note, the texture and appearance of the sapwood most closely remind me of Mango wood even though the two trees are not remotely related.

I greatly enjoy unique pieces like this and find them far more interesting and satisfying than the most “perfect” turning blank on the market.

Whatever you do in your shop today have a good turn!