Why does blank weight matter for wood turning?

Weight affects safe lathe speed, vibration, and the load on the chuck or faceplate. Heavier blanks need slower speeds. Out-of-balance heavy blanks cause excessive vibration that can be dangerous. Knowing the weight helps select the right lathe and mounting method.

How much heavier is green wood compared to dry?

Green (freshly cut) wood can be 40-80% heavier than air-dried wood, depending on species. Oak at 12% MC weighs about 750 kg/m³ but can weigh over 1000 kg/m³ when green. This is mostly water weight that will be lost during drying.

What is the densest UK turning wood?

Among commonly available UK woods, oak and beech are the densest at 720-750 kg/m³. Exotic woods like lignum vitae (1200+ kg/m³) and ebony (1000+ kg/m³) are much heavier. Yew (670 kg/m³) is moderately heavy but prized for its colour and figure.

Can my lathe handle this blank?

Check your lathe specifications for maximum weight capacity. Small bench lathes may handle 5-10kg. Mid-size lathes typically manage 20-40kg. Heavy-duty lathes can handle 50-100kg+. Always ensure the blank is securely mounted and start at the lowest speed.

WoodCalcs

Wood Turning Blank Weight Calculator — Estimate Blank Weight

Estimate the weight of turning blanks by wood species and dimensions.

Blank Shape

Wood Species

Diameter

Thickness / Length

Moisture Content

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates turning blank weight from dimensions, species density, and moisture content.

Formulas

Cylinder volume = pi x r² x thickness

Square volume = side² x thickness

Weight = Volume x Density x MC adjustment

Densities are given at 12% moisture content. The calculator adjusts for different MC levels. Green wood weight assumes approximately 70% MC.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify measurements and material quantities before cutting or purchasing.