Bird Cherry Tree for use in Lathe.

[conny]

I have just cut down a small Bird Cherry tree, (about 8" diameter), and have a reasonably straight section of trunk about 6' long. Before I cut it into manageable sections I need to know if it is a decent wood for turning in a lathe.
I know I will have to leave it to season and dry out but if you can't turn it then I will simply dispose of it.
If it can be turned what is the best way to dry it out at home? I don't have a kiln or anything just a couple of sheds which stay reasonably dry. How many years would I need to leave it for?

Strange questions, I know, but any information would be welcome.

 

[Burnerman]

Cherry is a lovely wood for turning, its deep reddy brown.
Regarding seasoning, cut the log into lengths and allow it to dry out very slowly, put the individual pieces on a shelf and forget about it.....at this diameter it could be prone to shake but its definitely worth a try.
John

 

[lostinthelight]

Bird Cherry is usually lighter in colour than our wild cherry. This may be an interesting article for you to read?
http://www.peterchild.co.uk/info1/green.htm

 

[EddieM]

Was going to say fruit wood is an excellent candidate for turning, but unfortunately I couldn't offer advice on the level of seasoning.

 

[conny]

Thanks guys.
John, this is a bird cherry so it's much lighter than a 'normal' cherry tree but it could always be colourised with stains/varnishes etc.
Lostinthelight, that looks a very interesting article so I have bookmarked it and will read at leisure tomorrow.
Eddie, thanks for your comment and honesty, LOL

Once again, thank you gentlemen for your replies.

 

[Burnerman]

Thanks for that Conny - I've only turned the 'original' timber and some pear....can't even say I've heard of the bird cherry so I'll look it up.
John

 

[conny]

Dragging this back to the top because I want to know if anyone can clarify it is a Bird Cherry tree that I cut down.
I've stripped the bark off a couple of sections so the photo's show the bark and the sapwood(?).
It's very wet even though it has been under cover since cutting it down so I don't think there is much chance of machining it at the moment.
Can anyone agree/disagree what it is please?

 

[conny]

Here is a leaf sample.

 

[conny]

Ignore above. Just found bark pictures and leaf pictures to confirm it is a Wild Cherry tree, sometimes known as a bird cherry because the fruits are inedible to humans.