It is fun to use different kinds of wood or ones laminated in different patterns. The colorful ones on the right are made of Spectraply.
Spectraply is a Premium Grade, Dyed Birch Veneer Laminate with Bold Colors & Excellent Bond Strength. It is Eco Friendly and Made In USA
It comes in over 30 different color patterns, so the effects are always fun to see.
Banksia pods originate from southwestern Australia. They grow on trees from the Banksia genus. However, of the many Banksia species, typically only the pods from the Bull Banksia (Banksia grandis) are large enough and solid enough to be used for woodturning applications. These pods are commonly compared to pinecones, though Banksia trees are not conifers and aren't related to pine trees (Pinus genus)-the seed pod itself is considered the fruit of the tree.
Source: Wood-Database.com
This is one that I did early on in my professional turning career. A captive ring is created by turning a ring in the middle of the piece. Then by turning the wood on each side the ring, and then undercutting the underside of the ring to cut it loose.
Colored Pencil Bowls are an exciting new thing. I used end cuts of colored pencils from the bowls that I made and put them in a cup and then cast them in epoxy before turning.
The shapes that can be created for bottle stoppers are endless. I made this one for my sister who was visiting for the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta.
Spectraply is a Premium Grade, Dyed Birch Veneer Laminate with Bold Colors & Excellent Bond Strength. It is Eco Friendly and Made In USA.
I buy these blanks from a supplier that makes them out of thin layers of various hardwoods. They are very colorful and decorative.