Issue 835

Yellowwood Anyone?

Rob Johnstone and I often share photos of our woodturning exploits. About a month ago, he texted me a photo of a stash of Kentucky yellowwood he’d procured recently (see below). It’s not a species either of us are familiar with, making it even more exciting!

According to a quick web search, Cladrastis kentukea is one of the rarest trees in eastern North America. It’s found principally in isolated areas of Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina, west to Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana and Alabama. This flowering tree produces yellow to pale brown wood that’s heavy, hard and close-grained. It sounds perfect for woodturning, and I’ve got to say I’m envious of his find!

Do any of you folks in the southeast or otherwise have experience with yellowwood? We’d love to hear your feedback about it. Rob has informed me that he’s planning to turn his first yellowwood bowl by Friday. If you’re curious about how it turns out, be sure to check out Robjohnstonewoodworker.com/blog. Thanks in advance for sharing your insights about the wood with us!

Chris Marshall, Woodworker’s Journal

Closer Look at the Laguna 14|CX Bandsaw

The Laguna 14|CX Bandsaw improves upon the well-loved 14BX with game-changing electronic variable speed, adjusted by a knob and digital readout conveniently located on the bandsaw’s column. Easy speed changes mean the ability to easily switch between cutting wood and cutting ferrous metals like steel, iron and stainless steel—all are easy fare for the 14|CX.

Rockler’s New Benchtop Lathes

These budget-conscious but well-equipped lathes offer great gateways into woodturning!

Outdoor Love Seat

Beautify your patio, yard or garden with this mahogany bench for two. It’s easy to make using full-size templates from Rockler.

Bamboo Fly Rod

The author, a fly fisherman and woodworker, imagines himself during the various stages of rod-making as a “lumberjack, cabinetmaker and finisher.”

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