Butternut Cuts Easily—but Bruises Easily Too

Butternut is lightweight, soft and easy to work, with a coarse grain that cuts readily with sharp tools. Its softness also makes chuck dents and compressed fibers more likely.

Practical takeaway: Use moderate chuck pressure, broad jaws and light bevel-supported cuts. Butternut is especially suitable for lightweight bowls, boxes and hollow forms without extremely delicate projections.