Banksia Nut

Product Description

Banksia nuts grow in Australia, often producing cones that are large enough for turning.

These are called 'Banksia Grandees' and are named after Sir Joseph Banks, 1743-1820, who sailed with Captain Cook on the 'Endeavour' in 1768. These particularly large seed pods have a very limited range in Western Australia. They usually grow on an underbrush tree in Jarrah forests and can take several years to mature.

While they are quite easy to turn, they are a little dusty. When you turn these pods, instead of producing shavings you'll get a pile of a 'felt-like' substance. The seed cavities can reach well over halfway into the pod, giving turned projects a very unique appearance and texture. Some woodturners fill these voids with resin or other coloured inlay materials, while others choose to showcase the openings as a prominent design feature.

Currently available in two sizes: