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Preparing and drying burls

Z

Ziffy

Joined
May 10, 2005
Messages
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Location
Watertown, CT
I think I have scored big time... I've mentioned before in this forum that I have a brother who likes to cut down trees... Well, he had recently cut down a large cherry and saved some pieces for me. I went out there this weekend, and he had a bunch of big burls; two of them 14" or so in diameter, and about 6 others up to 8 - 12" diameter. Lots of half-wheels with nice straight grain too. Looks like beautiful stuff, and lots of fun... someday My question is... How should I prepare them ( the burls) for that day in several years when I can turn them?

Brian
 
Hey Brian,

First things first. Cherry is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!!!! Especially the burls!!!!!. You need to get them disposed of AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, preferably by a trained proffessional. Otherwise UNSPECIFIED REALLY BAD THINGS LIKE EXPLOSIONS AND PRECIPITOUS CLIMATE CHANGE can happen!!!!!!!

Luckilly, I'm a Certified S.C.A.M.M.E.R. (Specialized Cherry And Manitoba Maple Expert Remover) and would be willing to offer my services and expertise. Just load all the wood onto pallets ship it to me IMMEDIATELY!!! If you're unable to do this, I'd be willing to travel to pick the wood up for only a minimal fee.

I know, I know. I'm generous to a fault but, eh, I believe that saving lives is important.

Sincerely,
Dietrich
 
Brian,

I think that you could rough turn the burls and then boil them. I have a CD from Steven Russell that has an article on boiling wood to stabilize it.

Dietrich, you need a motto for the vital humanitarian service that you provide:

"Who you gonna' call"?
"Bowl Busters"

Bill
 
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Nice try Jeff.... Er, I mean, thanks for stepping up in this DANGEROUS AND DELICATE SITUATION!!!! I'm actually just an hour or two away from Brian so it really would be easier AND SAFER for me to take care of this INCREADABLY TIME SENSITIVE AND, DID I MENTION, DANGEROUS situation.

By the way, Brian, burls are lots more forgiving when it comes to just letting them sit till it's time to turn. The variability of the grain prevents big stresses from building up in one spot, would be my guess. When you do turn them, though, then will shrink in a manner which matches this variability, giving texture to the piece but not really changing its shape. If you don't want this, you'll need to rough turn them pretty close to done then let them dry for a month or two before turning or sanding off a tiny bit more to get a smooth and stable surface.

Dietrich
 
burls

I came across some large maple burls, 18" diameter, a few years ago. I ripped them into two halves, waxed them and left them alone till it was time to turn them. The only one I turned was turned to finnish after sitting for 5 years and did not warp a bit. No visable damage from sitting waxed for so long either. The wood was however dry and hard by the time I turned it. Still haven't gotten to the rest yet. My skills are not where I want them to continue. I also bought and waxed paela, chechen and primavera burls this year that will do the same until I am ready.
Matt
 
Dietrich,

You're a funny guy! I like that name, S.C.A.M.M.E.R. I imagine that's probably applicable to many things... Thanks for the advice though... I probably will have to just let them sit however, as my current lathe isn't even capable of rough turning them. I figure that by the time they are ready to turn, I'll have a nice new BIG machine.

I'll make a deal with ya though... If in fact you are only a couple of hours away, I'll share in exchange for pointers... especially on sharpening, I'm having a really terrible experience with that little detail.

Brian
 
Brian,

As much as I'd love some of them burls, there is a meeting of the southwestern CT turners in Brookfield tonight, so there is some help closer to home. Check on the local chapters part of the AAW site and show up at the meeting. Ask them for some mentoring. If no one volunteers, give me another call. I'm right at 2 hours away.

If you miss the meeting to night, call the club president and ask for some names and numbers of mentors. Don't hesitate or question as to whether they want to be bothered. If they considered it a bother, they wouldn't be pres. or offer up their names.

Dietrich
 
Dietrich,

I appreciate the suggestion... I do need to get more involved with local chapters. Unfortunately, I have a wife who works, and small children, so it is tough to get out at night for any length of time. I'm going to have to make the effort though, and soon. I've been a woodworker for many years, and have recently (within the past year) taken up turning. I get frustrated sometimes because my general woodworking knowledge exceeds my current woodturning skills. I also work for a woodworking magazine, so I am surrounded by it all the time. Patience Brian, patience...

I will definitely check out the local chapters, and who knows, maybe at some point we will cross paths. Given the size of a couple of these burls, it will be years before I even attempt doing anything with them.

b.
 
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