I cadged a log from an arborist this afternoon who was working on neighbour's trees. He said it is Ohio buckeye. I've heard of the burls but have no idea what the plain wood is like for turning. I'd appreciate any advice.
His truck also had some very large birch logs that would have made 12"-15" salad bowls but I decided against them. So many urban birches have been treated with a nasty insecticide against birch leaf miner and turners here avoid them for salad or fruit bowls in case there is poisonous residue in the wood. Anyway, I have so much wood drying in the basement (including 100yr old lilac) that I don't need any more at present.
His truck also had some very large birch logs that would have made 12"-15" salad bowls but I decided against them. So many urban birches have been treated with a nasty insecticide against birch leaf miner and turners here avoid them for salad or fruit bowls in case there is poisonous residue in the wood. Anyway, I have so much wood drying in the basement (including 100yr old lilac) that I don't need any more at present.