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Burl Preparation Question

Hi Folks,

A neighbour just presented me with a number of burls. A centre-split 4-foot length of 16 inch diameter log contains two, each about the diameter of a basket ball (cut in half) but not quite so round. Another log is similar but the burls are not quite as big. The age of this wood is unknown but my neighbours father-in-law had it in his basement for about 20 years! I think it safe to say, it's DRY. No bark on it and I have no idea what wood it is but I believe it comes from the Edmonton Alberta area.

The other wood is two 5-foot logs, about 6 inches in diameter with multiple burl lumps along it's length, some large and some small. Again, I have no idea what specie it is. It is also old wood and dry; I'm not sure how stable it is.

I guess my first task is to cut the wood and burls into useable bowl blanks. So my first question is ..how does one do that? Anyone know of a web site or other info source that might guide me? When I get that done I'm sure I'll have questions on stabilization of the wood, if that is possible.

Thanks, Tom

Reply to
Tom Storey
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It's stable if it's been indoors 20 years. It is not necessarily all usable, as burls often contain voids, bark pockets and such which can interfere with your mind's direction. Burls look good turned rough side up or down, so your only task is to cut a length approximating the width, attempt to deduce the extent of the burl figure and plan your piece to reveal it.

Shallow burls make grand plates or shallow dishes with rough side up, but may have too much outside surface variation to make other than a perforated conventional bowl. Takes a better bulge to get one of those.

Cut and turn one at a time so what you've learned can be applied to the next.

. It is also old wood and dry; I'm not sure how stable

Reply to
George

Is it safer, or should I say, more successful to turn burl while it's still wet/green or dry. I would think that once fully dry, it would become very brittle. Any thoughts?

-Roy

Reply to
RoyFek43

Is it safer, or should I say, more successful to turn burl while it's still wet/green or dry. I would think that once fully dry, it would become very brittle. Any thoughts?

-Roy

Reply to
RoyFek43

I have turned dry big leaf maple burl. Turns great.

-Roy

Reply to
Derek Hartzell

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