Banksia Nut
(Click on an Item Photo for the net sizes)
DESCRIPTION: The banksia nut is a strange looking nut with a number of holes which makes for very interesting projects. Some people just slice them up to use for drinks mat coasters. Wear your breathing gear when turning the banksia nut. It is recommended increasing the speed of the lathe to around 2500 rpm, take light cuts and make sure you are using sharp tools. Before turning a banksia nut give it a quick brush off with a soft wire brush, this removes any of the loose material without damaging the nuts surface. Banksia nuts are hard & solid and are easy to turn, but they do create a large amount of dust and flying seeds. They can vary in their size from 4 inches long up to about 10 inches long in length, and they are between 3 & 6 inches in diameter.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: The Banksia is native to South West Western Australia & can sometimes be known as Banksia Grandis, Bull Banksia, Giant Banksia or Mangite. The banksia grows in woody shrubs & trees.
HISTORY: Named after Joseph Banks a member of Captain Cook’s crew & taking part in Captain Cook’s first great voyage. Banks has approximately 80 species of plants bearing his name. The banksia is easily recognised by their characteristic flower spikes & fruiting "cones" & heads. The large "cones" or seed pods of Banksia grandis are the only part of the tree to interest the wood turner. Affectionally referred to as a Banksia Nut or Banksia Cone.
