How would you split up this burl?

[Dave Chinnici]

I acquired this maple burl about 8 years ago and I think its about time to do something with it.
So I am looking for some advice as to how to break it up into usable pieces other than just cutting it into 3 inch thick "cookies".
I am a bowl and vessel turner just to give you some insight as to what I may wish to do with it.
I think this burl is of the swirl variety.
I have attached some pics to help.
(p.s. I know where the other half is, it belongs to a friend of mine.)
Thanks, Dave

 

[craterdog]

Burl

I'd consider trimming it and turning a single piece, probably a hollow form. There will be cracks that will need to be filled so it won't fly apart on the lathe. You may need to strap it up with clear packaging tape, after you get the outside shaped, for the same reason. It could be a great piece!
Tim Carter

 

[fgvanatta]

It's very difficult to give meaningful advice from pictures only, especially on a piece like this that is odd-shaped. I would have to take it in my hands, turn it over and over in several different directions, and keep looking and thinking until something came to me. Even then it might not be something that someone else would agree with.

 

[Dave Chinnici]

Additional info on splitting up burl

To help provide a better picture of the burl I posted, here are some more details:
The clefts seen are approximately 2 to 3 inches deep.
Each nodule is about 5 inches in overall diameter.

I guess the questions I should have asked are:

1. Because of the numerous nodules, would it be prudent to attempt to band saw out each one individually? or,

2. Does the idea of separating the piece using a splitting wedge sound feasible?
Would it be expected that this could result in a running crack that could go through the middle of one of the nodules?

Is it possible that they could cleanly separate from each other?

Dave

 

[Mr. Don]

Maple Burl

IMHO, it would be best to saw it, but be VERY careful with the bandsaw! You could come out with some very fine bowls, although small. Good luck, and post some pix of the finished product(s).:cool2:

 

[Rick M]

. . . Does the idea of separating the piece using a splitting wedge sound feasible?
Would it be expected that this could result in a running crack that could go through the middle of one of the nodules?

Is it possible that they could cleanly separate from each other?

Dave

Just my opinion, but it doesn't sound feasible to me, since a burl doesn't consist of extended lengths of parallel grain. Any splitting accomplished would be just as random as the directions within the burl.

 

[Betty Zumwalt]

Lidded Surprise

If you don't own a bowl saver device I'd borrow one.
1. Trim the corners on the band saw.
2. Mount it one the lathe and make your tenon.
3. Cut the center out with the bowl saver.
4. Take it off the lathe.
5. Make a false bowl rim out of a contrasting, but beautiful wood.
6. Turn your bowl and fit it with the false bowl rim.
7. Make another rim to fit on your false bowl rim, attached it to your "lid" (the saved bowl).
8. Make a very creative finial.
9. Fit it all together and pat yourself on the back for being so creative.
10. Have a great time!!