Bradford Pear
Appearance & Grain
Bradford Pear ranges from pale cream to light pinkish-tan, often darkening slightly with age and finish. The grain is extremely tight and uniform, allowing for crisp detail and a refined, almost porcelain-like surface when finished.
Workability & Performance
Bradford Pear is notably harder and denser than most fruitwoods, delivering excellent performance on the lathe.
Typical Properties (Air-Dried):
Janka Hardness: ~1,600 lbf (harder than Black Walnut)
Density: ~0.75 g/cm³
Grain: Fine, closed, uniform
Turning Behavior: Excellent with sharp tools
Sanding & Finishing: Exceptional, polishes to a glass-smooth surface
It turns cleanly, holds extremely fine detail, and is highly resistant to tear-out. Best results are achieved with sharp tools and light cuts.
Rarity & Value
Because Bradford Pear trees are not grown for lumber and are typically removed only during landscaping or storm damage, usable wood is limited and irregularly available. This makes Bradford Pear a rare domestic hardwood in the turning market, especially in defect-free blanks.
Ideal Uses
Bradford Pear is perfectly suited for:
High-end pens
Knife scales
Bottle stoppers
Small bowls & boxes
Heirloom turnings
Fine detail work
Why Choose Bradford Pear
Bradford Pear offers the density of exotic hardwoods with the refinement of fruitwood, making it a favorite among experienced turners and collectors seeking premium domestic material.
Add refined performance and understated elegance to your next project with hand-selected Bradford Pear wood blanks, chosen for grain quality, density, and superior turning results.
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