American Holly (Ilex opaca)

[zacs]

Has anyone ever turned with American Holly? Anyone know how dense it is compared to other woods we use, and which plugs it would be best suited for?

Thanks

Zac

[backcast]

While I have never turned a holly plug, I have turned it on the lathe. The wood is white, there is almost no grain, and turns as well as any wood I have turned. It is expensive to buy, but if you are lucky enough come across a tree that is being cut for some other reason, get it if you can.

I would say it has about the same density as poplar, maybe a little heavier. Should be easy enough to look up.