I turned a large spruce burl. I normally avoid known sap and pitch filled wood, but it is always interesting to investigate the insides. As expected I had pitch and shavings flying all over the studio. While I have a dry kiln available at a lumber mill I decided to try cooking the burl myself. Using the kitchen oven would be a sure ticket to permanent exile to my studio I chose my gas grill instead. Baked the piece for ~7 hours at 160 to 180F. The results were favorable, but if I do it again I will have a piece of sheet metal to catch the drips. I was surprised to find the freed pitch accumulate in a pool in the bowl. However, it is clear the sap crystalized or polymerized (not sure which) clear and hard. I will probably remount the bowl and turn out the hardened sap.
If anyone has thoughts or comments I would appreciate it.
DKH
If anyone has thoughts or comments I would appreciate it.
DKH