Nice pear Rob.

I`ve never turned banksia, what`s it like, i was told you can get bits flying out of the holes & if i was to turn one then to wear a full face mask.

Did you find this so, also what finish have you used?

Baz.

 Ta Baz, did wonder who would be first to use that line

There is a furry inner to the outer case that gets everywhere and the seeds, if present, can fly out. A full face mask is possibly the second thing to buy after a lathe, I use a racal airflow as other ones cause my specs to steam up, which is more dangerous than not using a mask! They are fun items and make unusual presents for friends and family.

The finish was carnauba wax i think  and is showing its age after hiding on a window sill in spare room for some time.