Using branches for turning wood?

[Wild Turkey]

I know a little about branches and "reaction wood" so I wouldn't try to saw any up for lumber, but there's some nice branches around here that are big enough for small turning projects even after being cut in halves, thirds, etc to remove pith.

Dumb idea or give it a try? 

[chips ahoy]

go for it,I have turned branches for various things.They make good pen blanks,I have even used larger ones for candle sticks and one very large one for a potpouri dish.

Mel

[Arlin Eastman]

I have also done the same thing before.  Some branches are up to 12" diameter and I have made bowls, vases and a lot of practice wood.  Good stuff.

[MichaelMouse]

Look at the end of the branch.  The heart might be off center.  Make your projects of wood from the high side, with broad rings, or the low, with narrow.  Half and half tends to warp really weird sometimes.  I assume you are taking open-grown trees with spreading branches.  Much less pronounced, to non-existent reaction wood on woods trees, where the branches are more vertical than horizontal.

[Rodneywt1180b]

Go for it.  You can get some interesting wood that way.
The others give good advice on how to cut them to limit movement.
Rodney