Burl possibilities

[Carl Mitchell]

So I came across an enormous burl on a tree on my property and decided to cut it down so I could start the drying process. Can I get any ideas please. The size is about 18” tall and 16” diameter

 

[Michael Anderson]

What kind of tree is it?

 

[Richard Coers]

I've never seen a burl dry crack free. I turn 90% of mine in the green stage.

 

[Jaramiah Severns]

Are you planning to kiln dry? If not, you’ll need to start milling and sealing right away. Since there’s not really an end grain side for most burls, there’s a still a pretty good chance it’ll split if you air dry it. The only times I’ve seen a burl escape air dry un-checked is when it’s been left to season for years before being milled or if there are large voids to help mitigate tension disparities during shrinkage. Good luck!

 

[Jaramiah Severns]

I've never seen a burl dry crack free. I turn 90% of mine in the green stage.

This is your best bet. If you are hoping to turn symmetrical vessels, you’d be wise to rough turn pretty immediately to speed up the drying process and then do your final turn several months later, once dry enough to be stable.

 

[Carl Mitchell]

What kind of tree is it?

It’s an oak tree

 

[Carl Mitchell]

Are you planning to kiln dry? If not, you’ll need to start milling and sealing right away. Since there’s not really an end grain side for most burls, there’s a still a pretty good chance it’ll split if you air dry it. The only times I’ve seen a burl escape air dry un-checked is when it’s been left to season for years before being milled or if there are large voids to help mitigate tension disparities during shrinkage. Good luck!

I currently have it in a vacuum chamber to pull the moisture out. It’s going to be a long process

 

[Dean Center]

Not all arboreal excrescences are burls. Given the warty look of the outside, this may be one of those 'other' things. (did I just put two polysyllabic words in one sentence? must have had ovaltine for breakfast.)

 

[Brent@TurnRobust]

I currently have it in a vacuum chamber to pull the moisture out. It’s going to be a long process

Carl, please take the advise of others and rough turn it first. It's going to crack in ways you don't want it to vacuum drying.

 

[Lyle Jamieson]

I have a number of resources. I cant find you in the AAW directory. Call me or Email me and I can lead you in some direction to get started. Lyle@lylejamieson.com

 

[Darryl Fective]

Carl, your timing may be just right for this one:

Woodturning Videos & Live Woodturning Demonstration

Sign up for a live woodturning demonstration of Burl Management-Cutting Up, Reading and Turning a Burl and explore all the latest woodturning videos.

lylejamieson.com

 

[Lyle Jamieson]

Carl, your timing may be just right for this one:

Woodturning Videos & Live Woodturning Demonstration

Sign up for a live woodturning demonstration of Burl Management-Cutting Up, Reading and Turning a Burl and explore all the latest woodturning videos.

lylejamieson.com

Thanks Darryl, I tried to reach him privately but could not find him. I could not "advertise" my event here so thanks for listing my demo. That will cover just what he is asking, for 2 1/2 hours, live and interactive. And I have a different take on it than most of the people replying here.