Dymondwood

One of my favorites "woods" to work with for lathe-turning is "Dymondwood". 

"Dymondwood" is composed of thin pieces of wood veneers (birch and maple) which have been color-dyed (in an almost infinite variety of colors/shades). The various colored veneers are then layered (wood grain all in the same direction) in an infinite variety of color combinations/paterns, glued, and  laminated under heat and pressure to form the finished product. 

The finished product is initially formed as panels which are about 30" long by 16" wide or 50" long by 16" wide. Thickness varies depending on the order, but can be as thick as 2". From these panels, dowel rods, and turning squares can be cut depending on the customer order. 

CLICK HERE  to see the web site for the Rutland Plywood Corporation in  Rutland, VT, where "Dymondwood" is made. I've had the opportunity to visit the plant in VT and observe the cutting of the veneer, dye, gluing, and lamination process. It is really quite fascinating and the company employees are most friendly.

I like "Dymondwood" for two principal reasons: First, it provides a colorful product that is simply not available in nature. Many customers prefer the bright, vivid colors. Second is the workability of the product. Because it is a laminate, all of the cells of the wood are filled with dye and glue. This provides for a very stable and durable product which takes a finish exceptionally well. (The one downside is that the same glue and dye are tough on turning chisels and require more frequent sharpening. To me, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantage.)

"Dymondwood" is used in literally hundreds of applications from pen blanks to roller boards, to name only a few. I use it for kaleidoscopes, cutlery handles, boxes, candle snuffers, etc.

For a flavor of the range of colors see woodnwhimisies

Here are a few of the products I craft with "Dymondwood".

 

See all of my listings on www.wrightmade.etsy.com

 

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