Wood problems

[Jason Connellee]

Guys. Is there a trick to turning hedge ?  It seems that practically all the hedge I turn out cracks.  Either cracks while turning.  Or, will develop a crack after a piece has been turned.  I've tried a couple things.  Not turning things thin like.  Keeping it cool.  No aggressive cuts.  Etc, etc,etc.    I turned a end piece last night.  All going well.  No real drastic design.  Just a plain old insert with a gentle swale.  Sanded it up.  Sanded slowly and controled.  Removed from lathe.  Walked outside.  Came back, crack developing or opening up.  I was like what the hell.  I've turned katalox, indian rosewood, walnut, paduck, all recently.  None of them crack like hedge.    Any secrets or advice ??

[David @ Mad Duck Game Calls]

Sounds like the wood isn't dry????? Maybe the Crack was there, and when you turned the wood it opened up??? Not really sure. Haven't had it happen to me before.

[Jason Connellee]

thanks David. 

[Joe aka COLD @ J. A. Kolter Calls]

Only three things can be causing your issue with hedge.
1.  The wood you are using is not stabile, adjusted to your shop or the moisture content is too high.
2.  Hedge is extremely sensitive to heat from all methods, boring, turning, sanding or even applying pressure while buffing.  I know you said your not getting it hot, but back track your methods.
3.  The wood you are using has been dried poorly and it already has minor checking throughout.