Emily Johnson
Woodturning is a fun and creative way to make decorative mushrooms. It is a simple process that can be done with cheap, accessible wood, making it a great beginner's project. The mushroom shape is formed by cutting and shaping the wood with a lathe, working downhill with the grain from thick to thin. Once the mushroom is shaped, it can be polished and sealed, with a finish such as varnish or sealer. This is a satisfying craft that can be enjoyed by anyone, from novices to experienced woodturners.
Characteristics and Values table for turning wood mushrooms:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wood type | Any hardwood branch, such as Cherry, Rowan, Hazel, Birch, Apple, Pear, Plum, Laburnum, Douglas Fir, Walnut, or Maple. Firewood with spalting can also be used for an interesting pattern. |
| Wood preparation | Cut into long lengths, ideally between 1 and 2.5 meters, with a girth between 25mm and 150mm in diameter. For larger diameters, cut the logs lengthwise. Ensure the wood is dry before turning. |
| Tools | Spindle gouge, sharp parting tool, brush, paper towels, steel wool (0000 grade), lathe. |
| Sealing and polishing | Apply a liberal amount of sealer (e.g., Mylands Cellulose Sanding Sealer) with a brush, then quickly wipe off the excess with paper towels. Use steel wool to flatten the surface and create a smooth finish for polishing. |
| Technique | Start by turning the head, working from the tail stock end back to the centre of the blank, always following the grain ("downhill" or thick to thin). Undercut the head using a sharp parting tool, making a series of shallow cuts from the centre outwards. Blend the shaft into the undercut head using a spindle gouge, taking light cuts from the base of the mushroom upwards. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right wood
When choosing the right wood for growing mushrooms, it is important to consider the specific type of mushroom you wish to cultivate. Different species of mushrooms have varying preferences for the type of wood they thrive on. Matching the mushroom to the correct log species will produce a higher or more consistent yield.
Most edible mushrooms grow on deciduous hardwood trees. However, some mushrooms, like the Hemlock Reishi, grow on coniferous wood. Italian oyster mushrooms can grow on some pine family trees, although the yield will be smaller or less frequent than on hardwoods.
If you're looking for a faster yield, soft hardwoods like poplar and aspen will colonize faster and produce mushrooms sooner, although they may not yield as much or for as many years. Oyster mushrooms, for example, will be more successful on poplars and aspens than oaks or maples.
Some of the best types of wood for growing mushrooms include oak, cedar, and maple. Oak is dense and durable, allowing it to support the weight of the mushrooms as they grow, and contains tannins that help deter competing fungi. Cedar is resistant to decay and insect infestation, ensuring a healthier mushroom crop. Maple is soft and porous, making it ideal for species that prefer a moist and oxygen-rich environment.
Other types of wood to consider include:
- Alder: great for water retention, perfect for cultivating mushrooms that thrive in a humid environment.
- Birch: a balance between maple and alder, with moderate density and porosity.
- Beach: contains natural compounds that inhibit the growth of competing fungi.
- Cherry, Rowan, Hazel, Apple, Pear, Plum, and Laburnum: branches from these trees can be used, but they must be dried first.
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Cutting the wood
When cutting the wood, you want to cut the branches into long, even lengths. The length will depend on what you can comfortably carry and store—aim for somewhere between one and 2.5 meters. The diameter of the branch can be anything from 25mm to 150mm. If the branch has a diameter larger than 150mm, you will need to cut it lengthwise.
Once you have your wood cut to size, you can begin to shape the mushroom. Start by working from the tail stock end back to the centre of your blank, always turning with the grain (from thick to thin). Use a spindle gouge for this step, and leave a small pip at the tail stock end.
Now you can shape the mushroom's head. Leave about 3mm of material on the base plate, using a parting tool to go halfway into the wood. The stem of your mushroom is now formed, so use your spindle gouge again, starting near the bottom and working towards the head, cutting with the grain. Leave a wide band of bark at the base of the head for now—this will give you some leeway if you make a mistake.
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Shaping the head
To shape the head of a wooden mushroom, start turning from the tail stock end back to the centre of your blank, always with the grain, i.e. downhill, or from thick to thin. Use a spindle gouge and leave a small pip at the tail stock end.
Now that the head has been roughly shaped, determine the base of your mushroom. Leaving about 3mm of material on the base plate, use a parting tool and go in about halfway. The stem of your mushroom should now be formed.
Use a spindle gouge to start near the bottom and work towards the head, cutting with the grain, i.e. downhill or from thick to thin. At this stage, leave a wide band of bark at the base of the head.
Undercut the head by turning your tool rest towards the stem and using a sharp parting tool to make a series of shallow cuts, working from the centre out. Be very careful near the outside edge as this is where mistakes are most likely to happen. That's why you've left a wide band of bark at the base of the head—so that if something goes wrong, you have enough material left to rectify the situation.
The shaft needs to be blended into the undercut head. To do this, use a spindle gouge and work downhill, i.e., thick to thin, taking a series of very light cuts from the base of your mushroom up to the point just below the slope of the undercut. You may need to bring a light cut back down the undercut slope to fully marry up the two cuts. To do this, a small spindle gouge turned well over onto its side should do the trick.
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Forming the stem
Now, you can form the stem. Start by using a spindle gouge, beginning near the bottom and working towards the head. It is important to cut with the grain, working downhill or from thick to thin. At this stage, you should leave a wide band of bark at the base of the head. This is because if anything goes wrong, there will be enough material left to rectify the situation.
The shaft of the mushroom now needs to be blended into the undercut head. To do this, use a spindle gouge and work downhill, taking a series of very light cuts from the base of the mushroom up to the point just below the slope of the undercut. You may need to bring a light cut back down the undercut slope to fully marry up the two cuts. For this, a small spindle gouge turned well over onto its side should be used.
You can use any hardwood branch to make a mushroom. Some examples include Cherry, Rowan, Hazel, Birch, Apple, Pear, and Plum.
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Sealing and polishing
Sealing:
Sealing your wood mushroom project helps protect it and ensure its longevity. There are various methods to seal wood, each with its own advantages:
- Wax: Wax is a traditional and effective way to seal wood mushrooms. Garden wax, Vaseline, or beeswax can be used to seal the holes in mushroom logs, protecting the wood from other spores and contaminants. When using beeswax, take care not to overheat it as hot wax may damage the mycelium. Alternatively, you can use wax to seal your turned wood mushroom. Liberon's Black Bison Clear Wax Polish is a recommended product for this purpose.
- Lacquer: Clear wood lacquer is another option for sealing. It can be applied to dried mushrooms to create a protective barrier.
- Natural Sealants: Natural sealants like tung oil or linseed oil can be used to seal and protect wooden projects. These options are non-toxic and provide a waterproof finish.
Polishing:
Polishing enhances the appearance of your turned wood mushroom and can also provide additional protection. Here are some tips for polishing:
- Beeswax Polish: Beeswax polish is a natural option that can seal and protect wood. It works by saturating the wood, repelling stains, and protecting against liquids. However, it may not provide a complete seal, and the finish can fade over time with heavy use.
- Clear Wax Polish: Applying a clear wax polish can give your turned wood mushroom a smooth and polished finish. Ensure the mushroom is dry before applying the wax and then buff it to a shine.
- Other Polishing Compounds: There are various other polishing compounds available, including commercial wood polishes and natural options like shellac. Experiment with different products to achieve the desired level of shine and protection.
Remember that sealing and polishing techniques may vary depending on the specific type of wood and the intended use of your turned wood mushroom project. Always follow safety guidelines when working with any chemicals or compounds.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use any type of wood to turn a mushroom. However, it is recommended to use hardwood branches such as cherry, rowan, hazel, birch, apple, pear, plum, or laburnum.
First, turn the head using a spindle gouge, leaving a small pip at the tail stock end. Then, determine the base of the mushroom by leaving about 3mm of material on the base plate, using a parting tool. Finally, form the stem of the mushroom with a spindle gouge, starting near the bottom and working towards the head, cutting with the grain.
To finish a wooden mushroom, you need to seal and polish it. Apply a sealer liberally and quickly, then wipe off the excess with paper towels. Flatten the surface with 0000 steel wool, then rub with a pad of steel wool to remove any raised grain and create a smooth surface for polishing.
