My 'Mistress' and Australian Banksia Pod

Before it was "Merry Christmas MadWood Turnery" , when the new Powermatic 3520B found it's home in my shop, it was just me and 'My Mistress'!

I came across these pictures of Banksia Pod being turned in the shop with 'her' last year and thought you might enjoy a bit of the process of turning Banksia.

Banksia Pod, Native to Australia is beautiful and interesting, to say the least. The cones are the fruit body remains from the flower head spike of the Bull Banksia tree. These pods can be from 4 to 16 inches long and make for excellent turning material because of the unusual surface with its outstanding seed capsules.

Banksia pod in its natural form.

"cat-tail-like" fuzz,this is where it gets dirty.....



 ......past the fuzz...



On its way to being a salt and pepper shaker set....

 

...and the finished product! Completed Banksia Pod salt & pepper shakers.

Here are a few other projects made out of Banksia Pod .....

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Banksia Pod pencil cup with blue stone inlay, a gift for my daughter.

4" Australian Banksia Pod mushroom (It's a "Down-Under" pine cone!)
Property of Mrs. MadWood!  This one is not for sale, but you can order your own at www.MadWoodTurnery.com.