How to Turn a Banksia Pod

Banksia pods are large ovular pods that grow on banksia trees, which are native to Australia. Many people collect banksia pods and use them as crafting material. You can turn banksia pods on a lathe to shape them, in a similar fashion as you can wood, to create decorative vessels such as vases. The same basic tools and equipment you use to turn wooden vessels are those you can use to turn a banksia pod, although you'll need to make certain adjustments to prevent the pod lips from crumbling.

Eye goggles
Face mask
Band saw
Wood block, 3-inches wide, 6-inches long
Faceplate
Drywall screws
Lathe
1- to 2-inch chuck, 5 to 6 inches long
Mallet
Parting tool
Gauge
Electric sander
CA glue
Drill
Pilot drill bit
Spade drill bit

Instructions

- 1
  Put on eye goggles and a face mask. Turning a banksia pod is messy.
- 2
  Shave the sides down along the outside of the banksia pod by a half-inch using a band saw, which will smooth down the banksia lips that can prevent the pod from turning properly.
- 3
  Attach a wood block onto lathe faceplate using drywall screws, then place the faceplate back onto the lathe.
- 4
  Hammer a 1- to 2-inch-thick, 5- to 6-inch-long chuck into the center of the Banksia pod using a mallet. Hammer the chuck 1 inch deep, allowing the end of the chuck to stick out by at least 3 inches.
- 5
  Attach the chuck to the lathe and press the wood block against the other end of the banksia pod. Tighten the faceplate to keep the pod secured in the lathe.
- 6
  Turn the lathe while using a parting tool to shave and shape the outside of the pod. Continue until you are satisfied with the outside shape.
- 7
  Form the top of the vessel out of the banksia pod using a lathe gauge, making the opening as large or small as you prefer.
- 8
  Sand the outside of the banksia pod vessel smooth using an electric sander with a medium-grit sanding belt.
- 9
  Apply an even layer of cyanoacrylate glue, or CA glue, over the entire vessel, which will protect and stabilize the pod by hardening it. Allow the glue to dry for four to six hours.
- 10
  Remove the chuck. Drill a pilot hole into the top end of the banksia pod using a drill with a pilot drill bit.
- 11
  Drill into the pilot hole using a spade bit. Select a spade bit that is at least 1 inch shorter than the width of the vessel top. Drill halfway down the length of the vessel.
- 12
  Remove the banksia pod vessel from the lathe for use.

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