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What would you make?

C

cwearing

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May 20, 2004
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New Glarus, WI
As winner of a recent raffle I now own a chunk of Amboyna Burl measuring 14 inches diameter and 2 inches thick. Some say it is pretty pricey so a little thought should come before the turn. Looking for suggestions on both the turning and any finishing suggestions. Thank you in advance.
 
Got a photo of that Amboyna burl?

First choice would be a bowl.....it's what I do!:)

It would be a shame to cut that Amboyna up into smaller pieces.....I would use the whole thing as a single finished bowl.

I usually have some sort of mental concept of what the figure would look like under the surface and how best to accentuate the best parts.......but, the finished bowl is seldom exactly as I was thinking. As the bowl is roughed, and as the bowl is finished turned, changes here and there always seem to happen. Not only is my strategy in tune with what I think is the best use of the grain/figure, but also, I attempt to get rid of flaws that would detract. Not all flaws detract, and sometimes they are a plus.....that's what Mother Nature does, and she is part of the game plan! ;)

Amboyna is outstanding wood to work with.

ko
 
It would probably make a very nice platter. Cut the corners off and make wine stoppers Cut those corners off and make doll house scale turnings. Nothing goes to waste in my shop.
 
I think people often make a mistake by raking a large piece of wood and making the biggest thing they can make from it. Quite often you can make a much smaller spectacular piece out of a section that has really nice grain. Then make other nice pieces out of what's left.
For example since I make hand mirrors I might slice a piece off one side for a handle or two. Then select an area with good figure and cut a 5 1/2 " blank. Resaw that and get two mirror bodies. That still leaves a blank about 8x14 for a couple of small bowls
 
First look for voids. I have some old dental picks that I use to probe. Not fool proof but it give a clue about the subterranean path of the voids.

Also look at angle of the outside edge. One face may be 12" diameter...

Given the diameter and thickness. I would consider platter, wall hanging, table top...

I will double what john said. Get the "best piece" out of it regardless of size.
The rest can be small bowls, bottle stoppers, pens, ornaments, gavels, inserts for hollow forms, boxes......

Enjoy your good fortune
Al
 
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