How to Fix Punky Wood

Take a piece of rotten/punky wood and make a beautiful bowl using nothing but MinWax Sanding Sealer and sawdust, watch.

[@pvb123451]

Larry ,I ave been tuning for 35 years and have turned a lot of punky white birch and others using Mix tung oil , soakin the blank over night and the next day it hardened the wood rock hard and turns easily and does not pull the grain , leaves a very smooth finish . Try a small piece of punky wood ,put in a dish with MW tung oil or equal and watch the wood sosk it up. Take it out of container ,drain , let it cure over nite or until it has cured then turn and see the results, it is amazing how it turns with no punkiness ,but as a hard piece

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Do not know what Mix Tung OIl is, Tung oil, yes, but mix with what? Thanks, will look at it. Larry

[@melisayse6903]

Thank you so much for this! I have a beautifully spalted oak stump I’m making into an end table and haven’t had an luck finding good solid advice on how to handle the soft parts. Everyone is recommending epoxies and wood hardeners but they are ridiculously expensive and change the color of the wood to make it look like plastic. Sometimes all you need is an experienced wood worker for god solid advice…thank you again!

[@wakelywanderer12]

I just finished a bowl using this method. It will be my go to way of turning spalted bowls from now on. Thanks for this information. Very useful.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I use that method a lot, works well. Thanks, Larry

[@springwoodcottage4248]

Super useful and interesting, such a fabulously beautiful result from wood that I thought prior to your teaching was too rotten to use. Thank you for sharing!

[@ИванКоксун]

Этот ролик который вы смотрели у меня был 5 месяцев ограничен в доступе , а вчера я его открыл специально для Вас и Джима из Канады . А сегодня открою ещё один , это первая часть , если хотите то посмотрите . С Уважением к Вам Иван из Москвы .

[@crackerjack3359]

Thanks a bunch. I have a couple of really punky pieces tucked away which I did have resisted throwing out because the spalting is gorgeous. I'll be getting them out soon to try your method out

[@larryrizzo736]

Your tips on repairing pulpy wood and the use of wood sealers was very helpful to me.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Glad I could help. Thanks, Larry

[@monopinion8799]

You are AMAZING! For years I’ve been cutting the punky off sadly loosing the size of my bowls or whatever I was planning for.. you have taught me a wonderful lesson on how to keep the pinky in the plan with your trick. Fantastic! Thank you so much for your wonderful gift. Wow your great!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I've fixed a lot of punky wood this way. Thanks and take care, Larry

[@jeanblythe1595]

That bowl is one anyone would be proud to display! I think I love how punky wood turns out than many other woods! The grain patterns are gorgeous! Stay safe and thank you for sharing your wood-turning gifts with us!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

You are welcome Jean, Larry

[@tedcarson2971]

You hoped that your viewers may have learned something ... I absolutely did!!! This is the first time I've seen your channel but I'm now subscribed and look forward to seeing you soon. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you, that is my intent, to teach. I like to say, "I show how I do what I do, not just what I do" if that makes sense to you. Thanks and keep watching. Larry

[@randycosgrove3608]

Thanks for this post. I'm working with some birch that is just a bit past where I'd like it. Looks like with this technique I can save it. Subscribed now. It's really amazing how helpful youtube posters can be, sharing all their experience and knowledge.

[@bpfohler4466]

Turned a piece of spaulted maple today and used this method. It worked really well, thanks.

[@dottyharbison7156]

Beautiful bowl. Thank you for sharing your work. ❤ 🙃

[@michaelvanderhooft6685]

Thanks for the video,I do have a great selection of punky wood that I can try this on.

[@petermarsh4993]

Dear Sir, beautiful job on a piece of wood that would otherwise make firewood. Thanks for sharing.

[@jimminogue1800]

Just watched Punky wood video and learned something new about filling holes. Looks like you were using what we call PVA, here in the UK. Thanks for the advice and interesting video. Cheers!

[@chaserwilliams1]

Awesome! I’ve got some very punky Persimmon wood that had some beautiful spalting and figure in it that I’ve been sitting in for a few years now while trying to figure out what to do with it. This might be the ticket!

[@davemartin1534]

Beautiful 😍 bowl. Another use for punky wood (probably too far gone for any other use) is charcoal. Makes easy to light fire starter. Takes a spark like u would not believe.

[@stanhutchins6592]

The bowl turned out awesome.

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Great instruction. Really enjoy your commentary and banter. New to turning. Came across a punky chunk of cherry and thought, what the heck. I wasn't a fan of spalting, seems like a fad to me. But when I saw the figure/color patterns, I kind of changed my mind. But try to get a smooth surface!!! Thanks for your work.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

When it's not real smooth, just go with a matt finish. Doesn't show up as much as a shinny one. Take care, Larry

[@0602Jonboy]

Hello Larry, just happened upon your video and enjoyed your presentation, explananotory, simplistic approach and easy listening. Bandsaw sawdust, such a simple but good idea, recycling sawdust that matches the piece, 2 birds with one stone as they say - which I'd seen this earlier ! ! Kind regards, Tony(UK)

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks Tony, Larry

[@roadrunner4404]

Nice job. I can see that I need to be more patient on the application of my sealer. I need to quit rushing it. I have been using the wood hardener. I will switch to your way. Good lesson. Thanks

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Better late than never, but Thanks, Larry

[@camoconstrictors6374]

Beautiful bowl I definitely need one. I'm making a black apoxy spalted Maple table that looks just like that. keep up the good work.

[@juliebaker6969]

Wow! A lot of work, but that figure is worth it. Beautiful results.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Not really when you use air tools, take care, Larry

[@hermit3400]

Wow that is so impressive how you did that! The finish is amazing! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks Jerry, it works. Larry

[@gregonline6506]

I like your calm way of explaining things. Thx for sharing.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I appreciate that and thank you, Larry

[@A6Legit]

I got a bunch of punky wood like this, might have to try the sanding sealer because so far I have no luck with turning it

[@newalla344]

Very nice bowl, thanks for the information on the wood sealer and sharing.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks, it really works. Take care, Larry

[@derekpeterson8005]

Beautiful job, thanks for sharing your time and talent!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

You are Welcome Derek, Larry

[@jerrytravis2850]

You have taught me something here. I will try this on my next bowls. I usually use Lacquer as a finish.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I used to use lacquer too. It did a good job, nothing wrong with it. I think my way is somewhat better and easier with no mess. Take care, Larry

[@hafzamacie8858]

I did it with the Woodglut plans.

[@robertf6344]

It's a beauty and. lots of great teaching there !

[@moonwoodworks4607]

That's very interesting, sanding sealer to harden up punky wood. Thanks for sharing. I cut some maple last night and found it extremely punky in the center and was afraid it was wasted. Now, I'm gonna try this trick. Thanks my friend. Mind if I reference you in my video as I attempt my maple bowl?

[@trurex007lee7]

Very beautiful bowl. Thanks for the great tips, some of the best psalter wood that I have found is punky but with your technique I'm ready or tackle those chunks.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Go get"m, it works. Thanks, Larry

[@AllenOxendine]

Thanks for sharing, exactly the issue I’m having with some pecan. I’ll have to try this out. Full View and Like 👍

[@harryhagelund7674]

Heading out to the lathe to apply the sealer! Hope it works as good as yours! Thanks!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

It will, have faith. Thanks, Larry

[@patbaines1173]

Beautiful bowl and very informative video, thanks

[@douglasperry1226]

Awesome video! Thank You for the tip. Going to do this next time. 👍🏼💫🪵

[@d.w.tochermusic5370]

what a great gent! easy to understand and knowledgable

[@bobbyplatt7654]

Awesome job sir, i'm making punky look pretty now. Thanks for the info..

[@phillipleroy1452]

Great job Larry. Bowl looks nice.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you Phillip, Larry

[@kellypalmer2563]

Awesome work 👏 👏👏👏

[@daviddavies6844]

Hi SIR.. YES GATHERED A LOT OF USEFUL INFORMATION.. A GREAT VIDEO THANK A MILLION.. DAVID... N.S.W. AUSTRALIA..

[@michaels.8663]

Very beautiful!

[@Jason1batman]

Nice work. Thanks for all the info. I would love to see the bowl your grandson made from the other blank. Really enjoyed watching this video. New sub here.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I don't think he ever did, been to long, just don't remember. Thank you for your subscription, Larry

[@WithTheGrain527]

amazing piece. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@kraigpost8960]

great bowl Larry, i am also a wood turner and its your lathe that really have my eyes on i think you should buy a new one and throw your old one my way lol.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

It's too heavy. Thanks a lot, Larry

[@henryranson3509]

I love the bowl if you want a new friend to give a bowl to I would love to have it I don’t do wood turning I’m 77 years old and disabled I just like to watch you turn

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Sorry buddy, long gone. Take care, Larry

[@DuaneTheOakHirst]

Great video Very helpful thanks

[@nicholasgallo]

Thanks. Really enjoyed your presentation

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you sir, Larry

[@nicholasgallo]

@@TheWoodWhirler welcome

[@TupmaniaTurning]

Really helpful video! What was that carbide bit you were using? It seemed to be removing half a tree per revolution! Subscribed!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Probably my beaver, It's been to long. Square cutter with a 2" radius.

[@darylstorer3369]

New boy on the block, love your work mate, thanks for shearing cobber.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Welcome, you will love woodturning once you get going. Hint, watch all the woodturning videos you can. That's how I learned. Never had a lesson in my life. thanks, Larry

[@charlesodom3761]

Loved the way it turned out and thank u for the tip. About ready to give some a try.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

You are welcome Charles, Larry

[@johncharletta7874]

Larry, thanks for sharing your techniques and know how with us. I cant wait to try out your method for hopefully saving some questionable pieces of wood. Can you tell me where you got the plexiglass template for the circles, or did you make it yourself? Have a great day!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Nope, it's been 8 or 9 years. Sometimes I can't remember yesterday. Thanks for watching, Larry

[@glenrugh2815]

That is a really Beautiful piece you've turned there and I really appreciate all the tip's you give during the whole process . May I inquire as to how much you would be willing to sell that piece for ? Again you did a really nice job on this as with so many of your other work's of Art . Thank You for sharing your talent's with the rest of us out here .

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Sorry I don't sell my work. Thank you, Larry

[@glenrugh2815]

@@TheWoodWhirler Oh , Ok Larry . Thank You for the response . Keep up the great work .

[@edwardwargo148]

Hey Larry, I just happened to find your video on punky Holly. I recently came across punky Holly and after turning it down to toothpick size trying to get past the punky I tossed it into the firewood pile. I have two questions: Is the sanding sealer the only adhesive being used to hold the saw dust onto the bowl? Would a mixture of Shellacl, Denatured alcohol, and BLO work as the sealer? I am always appreciative of the time guys like you have given to share and advance knowledge in the crafts. Ed W

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Sanding sealer is it. Sure your sealer would work. But, seems to me a lot of trouble for the same result as I get with Minwax. Thanks and take care, Larry

[@hraun2berg]

It is very beautiful Larry. Júlíus

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you Julius, Larry

[@silviesmeyer]

Very nice. Thank you for the video. I definitely try the sealer on my another bowl project

[@TheWoodWhirler]

It definitely works. Thank you, Larry

[@fredbloggs6126]

Thank you for this Vidio I have learned a great deal from this Be safe 👍

[@johnnyspropshop]

Great looking bowl, Larry.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks John, Larry

[@michaelmccarty3395]

Next time turning punky wood mix a good wood glue with water till it’s milky but not thick. Penetration and binds very well.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

That works, but you don't get any color. I've tried that. I like my way better. Thanks, Larry

[@brianmiller5100]

Great informative video. Awesome bowl.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Little late, but thanks, Larry

[@hypnoraythompson5824]

really great video, cheers mate for posting. Have a good Christmas from across the pond.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you mate, Larry

[@Jerry-jh2fh]

Nice job

[@cdbees5312]

Hi Larry great stuff. I just subscribed ( my first). I work with pinky wood a lot as it's free here on the farm and I'm just learning how to turn. Anyhow I've learned a lot watching you. I'm sure you've heard this question before, but not from me. What is the glue you used in the punky bowl. I heard you say it gets real hot. I think. Thanks for your help and advice. Take care

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Punky wood can really be pretty. The glue is call CA Glue same as super glue. You can get it off Amazon. You need the thin CA. I get the 8oz bottles, lot cheaper than way. Thanks and take care, Larry P.S. If you have any other questions you can e-mail me at [e-mail].

[@Ronalcock1]

great stuff Larry, I watched part two of this first, thanks for your tips keep em coming please. Ron

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Boy, I sure missed this one a year ago, thanks anyway, Larry

[@jimjakosh2506]

Nice job. I tried some of the rotton wood treatment that soaked through the wood but it was a ll gummy and I could not sand it ever after week. I threw it away and the bowl!!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

If you used Minwax sanding sealer, it should have dried. Was you rot wet? Other than that, it beats me, never had that problem. take care, Larry

[@jackgrayson832]

thank you for sharing this information...

[@TheWoodWhirler]

My pleasure

[@beaustjohn2342]

very nice work larry!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you, Larry

[@tomasarguinzoni9022]

Beautiful job sir and thank you for the tips 👍🏼

[@TheWoodWhirler]

You're welcome Tom, Larry

[@lifeorliberty3086]

Great video. Can't wait till the next one friend.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Work on a new one now. Thanks, Larry

[@evankenison588]

Thank you again for the video. What type of glue did you use at first, before you covered it up with the sawdust?

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Not glue, Winwax water-based sealer. You want to make a paste out of sealer and sawdust. Then rub it in. A little messy, but worth it. Larry

[@evankenison588]

Could I ask, what are you wearing on your face to protect your face while you are using your lathe? I see a piece of leather hanging down and want to get something that will protect me while I am working. Thank you very much for this awesome video!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Standard face,ast with a piece of leather to protect my neck attached to the bottom. That's it. Thanks, Larry

[@joechase1713]

Another Beauty Larry... Maybe I need to get me one of those Buffing Systems

[@TheWoodWhirler]

They are easy to set up and work. That's what matters, Larry

[@joechase1713]

what usually matters to me lately is can I afford it lol...at least wood is free for me

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Wood is not a problem for me either. Makes you wonder why I mess with punky wood, doesn't it? Take care, Larry

[@ronroberts9612]

Hi Larry, greetings from from Australia. Thanks for sharing your work, that bowl process was amazing. Can you tell me please the ingredients of the sealer.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I looked on the can and it doesn't list the ingredients. It's MinWax Sanding Sealer. It's water based. I get mine from Amazon about $50 US for a gallon. Here's the link. Take care, Larry www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Y6TMN2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@jimscholz136]

Nice Video.. I have learned a lot from watching you... Tks...

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Great, keep watching, Larry

[@glennmoreland6457]

Greetings again from England As we've already discussed there's no substitute for weight when swinging stuff that's out of balance...like I says the old Wilson lathe wouldn't even feel it... Brute... I did like the bit as well about utilizing the turnings & sawdust as a filler... To me it's common sense... Take care Glenn GLMelectrical

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I agree. Thank you Glenn, Larry

[@Ronalcock1]

nice tutorial, I just watched another turner creating a bowl who should have watched this video first

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you Ron, Larry

[@JamesCouch777]

Good idea 👍

[@marykedykhuizen6902]

Beautiful work and good info. Thankyou

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you very much, Larry

[@larryjacobs5713]

Extremely informative thank you. I had this exact problem.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

It works, you might have to do it twice. Thanks, Larry

[@paulgibson8056]

Larry, I know you published this video months ago, but life and work being what it is, I haven’t stood at my lathe at all during that time. I am spending a little time now catching up on what I’ve been missing. This video is just the inspiration I needed to make the time to get back there. I’ve had spalted pieces of a large branch that broke off one of my trees a couple years ago sitting in my rack for a couple years. I had tried working with a chunk and couldn’t overcome the punkiness. Now I know what to do, thanks to your video! Also, I’ve decided that I need a Beaver. Do you mind if I copy your design? Thanks again for your effort in putting together these videos for us.. Paul

[@paulgibson8056]

Oh wait. Now I see in the following video that you will be selling the business end of the Beaver! That’s perfect! I’ll go figure out how to buy one. Thanks again, Larry!

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Yeah, that's sort of on hold. Go ahead and make you one if you want. Any questions, don't hesitate to ask. Larry

[@marylee6838]

I love old school advice

[@TheWoodWhirler]

That's what you get from an old guy. Thank you, Larry

[@kevinburrows1705]

Very pretty bow 👍. 🇬🇧

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you Kevin, Larry

[@ryan_bombard]

I just finished a spalted maple that had a nice void in it. Filled with sawdust and CA glue. It got so hot, so fast that it actually took flame. Gave me a little mini heart attack.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I guess you learned that you can't use much CA at a time. Need to layer it, one layer at a time. Wait until you get a blob of CA on your skin that you can''t get off. Cooking time!!!, Take care, Larry

[@Coyote48]

A very nice bowl. Thanks for the process to get rid of the punkiness. Do you think a shellac based sanding sealer would do just as well? Thanks again.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

It might work better, being that it will dry quicker. Thanks, Larry

[@Ronalcock1]

Nice job Larry

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks again Ron, Larry

[@staynavytom2963]

Just rewatching this video. I've used the Minwax sealer which is pretty much like the Mylands sealer but less expensive. Works good. I turn a lot of spalted maple. Watching your buffing system, did you make that arrangement? If you did, do you have a video on that?

[@TheWoodWhirler]

No, I didn't make it. It's a beal system. Thanks, Larry

[@chmaximus319]

Great video! I like your style. TU and subbed.

[@trevorlittle3244]

Thanks I've got the very piece of timber I'm going to try that on.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Good, have fun and thank you, Larry

[@garydowley4216]

This is great! Thank you. Would you please tell me about that monster cutting tool? It sure can make some chips.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Yeah, that's my beaver. Hope to be selling them soon. Keep watching, I will do a video on it again when they are ready. Here's the original video. Thanks, Larry kzbin.info/www/bejne/govboquGotRpgc0

[@nigelmerrifield4695]

Some great tips there I'm going to try thanks

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thank you, Larry

[@bobsisson9424]

I turned a bowl similar to yours and the same punky wood. I also put four coats of sealer. My question is, how much would you charge for the bowl? Y ou did a lot of extra work to make it.

[@TheWoodWhirler]

I have never sold any of my work, so I really am the wrong person to ask. Take care, Larry

[@donaldtrabeauxjr5323]

That very awesome thanks for your information and knowledge

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks Don, Larry

[@kevinfunk4971]

very interesting and great technique

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks Kevin, Larry

[@AllenORourke1954]

Class Larry...👍👍👍👍👍🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks Allen, Larry

[@valcandilasa573]

Thanks, it works. I needed this tip!

[@Coyote48]

Another very informative video. Thank you. What are your thoughts about using a shellac based sealer vs the water based. Thx again

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Don't know, never used shellac. Mine works great. I try not to fix what is not broke. Thanks, Larry

[@outdoorvideos3825]

Nice video upload. Earned a subscriber right here.

[@whild017]

What hollowing tools do you use? They look really neat

[@alanmullock381]

Brilliant Larry👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@TheWoodWhirler]

Thanks Alan, Larry