Premium Camphor Laurel bowl blanks with stunning grain patterns, natural antibacterial properties & exceptional workability for woodturning projects.

Note: The photos are representative only. All timber pieces have variations.

Camphor Laurel Pre-Cut Bowl Blanks for Woodturning

Overview

Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) Pre-Cut Bowl Blanks offer woodturners an exceptional opportunity to create stunning, aromatic bowls from one of Australia’s most distinctive timbers. Once regarded as a noxious weed, mature Camphor Laurel trees have developed into magnificent specimens with vivid colouring and striking grain patterns, transforming this “weed” species into one of the most beautiful and sought-after timbers in the Australian woodworking industry. These pre-cut bowl blanks are specifically sized and prepared for turning, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced woodturners seeking a timber that combines visual appeal with exceptional workability.

Colour and Appearance

Camphor Laurel bowl blanks showcase extraordinary colour variation and natural beauty that makes each piece unique. The heartwood displays a warm golden yellow base with spectacular streaks of red, brown, orange, black, and occasionally green tinges throughout the grain. The sapwood appears as a contrasting pale yellow to creamy white, creating distinct visual boundaries. The timber features a fine to medium grain structure with natural interlocking patterns that create distinctive figure on turned surfaces. When finished, the wood exhibits a natural lustre and subtle sheen that enhances its rich colour palette. The characteristic camphor aroma, while noticeable during turning, adds to the sensory experience of working with this remarkable timber.

Properties and Performance

Camphor Laurel demonstrates exceptional properties that make it highly valued for bowl turning applications. The timber offers moderate density at approximately 550-790 kg/m³, providing excellent dimensional stability once properly seasoned. Its natural oils give the wood inherent antibacterial and pest-resistant qualities, making finished bowls naturally hygienic and long-lasting. The timber exhibits good resistance to decay and insect attacks, with moderate durability ratings that ensure longevity in finished pieces. Camphor Laurel’s natural camphor oils act as a preservative, helping protect against moths and other insects while providing the distinctive fragrance that characterises this species. The wood seasons relatively easily with minimal checking or distortion when properly dried.

Perfect Applications

Pre-cut Camphor Laurel bowl blanks are perfectly suited for a wide range of turning projects. They excel in creating decorative salad bowls, fruit bowls, and serving pieces where the natural antibacterial properties provide both beauty and functionality. The timber’s fine grain and stability make it ideal for thin-walled artistic bowls and vessels that showcase the wood’s natural figure. These blanks are particularly well-suited for natural edge bowls that highlight the contrast between heartwood and sapwood. The pleasant camphor aroma makes finished pieces perfect for food service applications, as the natural oils dissipate after working while leaving no residual taint. Camphor Laurel bowl blanks also work beautifully for decorative turned objects, artistic vessels, and sculptural pieces where the unique grain patterns and colour variation can be fully appreciated.

Working Characteristics

Camphor Laurel bowl blanks offer outstanding workability that makes them a favourite among woodturners of all skill levels. The timber machines beautifully with sharp tools, cutting cleanly and holding fine detail exceptionally well. It turns excellently on the lathe, producing smooth surfaces with minimal effort and responding predictably to most turning techniques. The moderate density allows for easy shaping and machining, though areas of interlocked grain may occasionally cause minor tearout issues that are easily managed with proper technique. The wood sands very easily, though the natural oils can clog sandpaper, requiring frequent changes to maintain efficiency. Camphor Laurel accepts finishes well once properly prepared, with the natural oils requiring appropriate sealing for optimal results. The distinctive camphor aroma remains pleasant during turning but requires adequate ventilation. Overall, these bowl blanks provide predictable, enjoyable turning experiences that produce exceptional results.

Quality You Can Trust

Hand-selected for quality and reliability, Camphor Laurel offers excellent value for your woodworking projects. Now available for online ordering.

If you require any further information regarding this species, sizing, availability or more, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly and our staff will be happy to help.

Contact:
Drop by our showroom at 15 Railway Road North, Mulgrave, NSW, 2756 today.
Please inquire further for more information regarding supply, sizing and pricing via our contact email: sales@trendtimbers.com.au
See our Online Range by clicking the link below:
https://trendtimbers.com.au/product-category/timber/