to follow meEnglish Beech:
(Fagus sylvatica) Although a very plain grained timber, it can turn out some nice grain.
Acacia:
There are many species of acacia. To many to mention here, but again the grain effect, has some beautiful surprises.
African Padauk:
As the title suggests, it originates from Africa. When turned and polished, it has a deep red shine to it. It is sometimes used by musical instrument makers, because of the deep red hue.
Cherrywood:
A very common fruit tree in the British garden. Like most fruit woods, it is very hard and demanding to turn.
Sycamore:
Another plentiful English tree species. It does tend to be very plain, but sometimes the wood turner will be surprised, once the grain opens.
Tulipwood:
Can turn out very spectacular. Another very hard wearing timber.
Wenga:
A very dark and close grained African timber. Sometimes called “Fake Ebony” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millettia_laurentii.
Jarrah:
This is a very very hard dark wood, once cured. Found almost exclusively in Western Australia. Its resistant to termites, woodworm and other wood ingestion insects. Used extensively to make cabinets, and flooring, because it is so tough. Many years ago, when the Brighton pier was storm damaged, it was almost rebuilt using Jarrah, because it is so hard. When it is completely dry, its almost impossible to use any carpentry tools on it. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_marginata
Bird eye Maple:
An interesting name. Probably due to the knotty eyes that tend to be present, making it look like a bird eye. Again, a bit plain.
Ash:
One of Great Britain’s commonest trees. Its hard wearing and easy to work with. I personally make the handles on my chisels out of ash.
Olive wood:
One of my favourite timbers to work with. The smell when turning it, is gorgeous. Lovely dark brown and different grains. It is obtained from most Mediterranean countries, and warm sunny climates.
Laburnum:
A beautiful grained timber, another favourite of mine. Again used extensively by cabinet makers and musical instrument makers. The heart-wood of a laburnum may be used as a substitute for ebony or rosewood. It is very hard and a dark chocolate brown, with a butter-yellow sapwood.
English Walnut:
Another favourite of mine. This rich dark brown timber is favoured by cabinet and furniture makers the world over.
Ekki:
Another timber that is sourced in Africa. Again a very dense and hard wood. It comes out when turned, almost black.
Oak:
What can I say about the English oak? The most widely used hardwood in GB. For hardwearing furniture, it cannot be beaten.
Yew:
I adore Yew. You can never tell what the grain is going to turn out like. Its almost always spectacular.
Zebrano:
Aptly named. In big sheets, it resembles a zebras stripes. Lovely colour, and grain.
Holed Sapele:
Sapele is sometimes termed “Poor mans Mahogany ” It looks similar. It is now illegal to cut Mahogany down, so Sapele makes a good substitute. These have tiny holes in them. The holes never extend more than a mm. So they are quite stable.
Rainbow Mountain:
This believe it or not IS timber. Its different coloured woods, compressed together. They make gorgeous pens.