This has got to be the coolest thing I get to turn. Basically a pinecone on steroids, the Banksia pod comes from the Banksia tree in Australia. The Banksia pod is a very unique sandwich of layers. The outer layer is tough and bumpy. The holes hold seeds that are shaped like a large, thin, pointed watermelon seed. Most of them come out (at great velocity...ouch!) during turning on the lathe. Under the outer layer is a surprising 1/4 inch layer of soft red velvet. The whole workshop fills with the red fuzz. The third layer is more wood-like but has the look of a polished fossil. The last layer, the inner core, looks like wood but when cut in cross section creates a flower pattern.
