Suggestions for cutting this log

I don't think what you have there is a burl but a branch which was broken off and healed over. The thing of interest to me, though, is that the pith is way off-center. If it is off-center on the other end, then I'd cut it through the pith, perpendicular to a line from the pith to the branch. That will give you a pretty good sided blank for a hollow form turned in either direction. Or you could get a pretty deep bowl or maybe a natural edge bowl. Also, I'd do it soon.

Bill

Jimbo wrote:

Thanks Bill. You are correct as I look at it again. That brings me to another question, what does cause a burl?

The pith is off center on the other end, just about the same distance. I will give that some thought.. and yes I plan to get started in the next day or two what ever may become of it.

Jimbo

Grab a copy of Bill Gumbine's video and study it.

Depending on the size of your lathe I'd guess that you've got one big and one shallow bowl there, since the pith is so far off center. You'll need some anchorseal or LDD as well. Dave in Fairfax

I think that a burl is a cancer-like growth. The cell growth is out of control so you don't get the neat, lined-up orientation which is necessary for trees to carry water and food to the leaves, but a random orientation instead.

What causes cancer in animals? In many cases we don't know. Probably the same is true for trees. Does anybody have any reference material on this subject because I'm just guessing.

Bill

Jimbo wrote:

Hi Dave, I just got Mr. Bills video last week. Although I have only watched it once. I know he shows a good way to do that I was just unsure becasue the pith is so far off center. I think I'll watch it again before cutting it. Learned a lot of things just the first time thru.

I have the Jet 1442-VS that I bought several months ago and have made several smaller bowls which came out ok. Dave, are you in Fairfax CA? I live east of Sacramento but sometimes get to the bay.

Thanks for the tips.

Jimbo

Bill's video shows how to cut a log with an off-center pith and why to do it that direction rather than the direction talked about earlier. It's a questions of warpage/cracking as it dries. Watch it a few more times, but get that log out of the sun and seal the ends first. I'm in VA, not CA, wrong coast. Part of the old Lord Fairfax estate, back when the original George W was sleeping with Sally, Lady Fairfax.

Dave in Fairfax

going to go watch it again right now after the log got put into the shade. I am always looking for other turners nearby to share and learn from.

Thanks,

Jimbo

How far east are you? I'm about one block east of Sacatomato. Don

Pollock Pines. 50 Miles I would guess.

Its 50 miles to the Woodcraft store. I went there yesterday to buy a new 1/2" bowl gouge.

Now if I can figure out how to get that grind used by Bill Grumbine in his video.

I live on Hedge Ave, the cross street is Osage. I have about 350' of the best osage orange trees left on Hedge Ave. If you would like some email me directly.

Don

If we knew what caused burls.........we'd be growing 'em ourselves! :-)

Barry