Hi all
I need to hollow out a bunch of logs.
Their all White Birch, about 1 foot in diameter and 1 foot long.
My wife uses them as Jewelry display stands.
I have used Forstners bits, but they dull too quick.
I think a router bit, but how to get in deeper?
Any ideas? (Sorry, no lathe.)
Also, any good ideas on how to keep the Birch bark attached?
Jeff
Replies
Define "hollow".
John W.
Hollow as in a big 8" or 10" hole into the bottom to about 2" from the top (10" deep.)
Or, as in an upside down box.
Jeff
You mean "hollow", as in make a foot-long "pipe" out of the log? If I was doing this, I'd probably use a chain saw to plunge cut a hole in the middle, and work it out towards the edges with the saw and a long gouge to clean things up.
Don't try this at home if you're not experienced with a chainsaw -- there's a high liklihood of kickback if done improperly.
If you mean "hollow" as in hollowing out the log like a canoe, I'd probably use the Lancelot (sort of like a chain saw again) and cleaning up with an adz or gouge.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Mike
I think I'll stay away from the chainsaw.
(I'd probably hollow me out instead of the log)
Jeff
How about taking the bark off and gluing it on
a sonotube instead.
You use the bandsaw to cut it apart, remove whatever section you want to be "hollow" and then glue the rest back together again. The gluelines will be invisible. It's quick and you can obtain practically any form you want, just by planning the cuts in advance.
David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
David
I'd be afraid I'd end up with all the bark off.
Jeff
Jeff, if the bark is very loose it's gonna fall off whatever you do. The bandsaw is actually a gentler way than anything else being suggested.
First, slice off a 2" thick piece that will afterwards be glued back as the "bottom". Set the remaining log on end, and saw in from any point for about an inch. Bring the kerf around and cut the inner "tube" that will be the hollow portion. You can wrap the whole thing with something to keep the bark from rattling while cutting, just don't use sticky tape for this. Discard the center plug, reglue your entry kerf, and reglue the first slice to close off one end.
I know there is always more than one way to skin a cat, but in this case this is the way you want to do it. Try one...David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
David
I'll give it a shot and see what happens.
Jeff
I know my suggestion of just using the bark isn't sexy, but it's
based on having seen and helped do very similar things before.
The bark will most likely tend to come loose. The logs will be heavy,
wet, and you'll have to make sure they don't wobble.
An added benefit of the sonotubes is the storage inside.
Henley
I ran that past my wife (who does the displays) and she was kind of luke warm about it.
I might make one and see what she thinks.
Jeff
On a side note-
I have some Birch logs sitting out back that I cut in the fall
and the bark is still on tight.
Hi David,
I've seen your technique before and it worked very well. Not sure the piece it was quite as big as the OPs but it came out nice. The one I saw the person stood the log on end on the BS and hollowed the log as you suggest on the bandsaw, then sliced off the bottom from the core and glued it into the bottom.
The cut you are talking about, I think, creates sort of a scarf joint when you start the hollowing cut and when glued up the scarf joint nearly disappeared thus preserving the live edge on the outside.
Did I say that right,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Bob,Using the "core" to make a plug is great if you can keep the core pretty much intact while cutting it. That is, you don't wander all over the place with the saw until it's right, but go right around in one clean pass. As I said, one needs to plan the cuts before diving in.I don't know if you "said it right" but the meaning's clear.regards,David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
David,
Thanks man. Now that I have the riser kit on me BS I want to give this a try. I'm beginning to develop a taste to incorporating live edges into some pieces. No, Mr. Nakishima won't have any worries from me. :-O
I'm sure you've been asked this before but which one is you in the pic on your home page?
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
Bob, I'm the third from the left in the photo. My oldest son is on my right. That photo is almost 10 years old...regards,David Ring
http://www.touchwood.co.il/?id=1&lang=e
big azz lathe?
there's no need to reinvent the wrench
Tell your wife that you clearly need a big bandsaw with at least 12" under the guide. ;-)
I haven't tried hollowing a log on my band saw but I've been thinking about it to do a run of "tree-like" bird houses. I have every expectation it will work. Like any tall cut on an uneven object you need to take extra care about where the entire band is relative to your hands. If do some I'll take a few pics.
Pete
Why not try a circular saw?
First secure the log half so it wont roll or move on you, then make a series of curfs with a circular saw. It'll then be easy to pry out the waste with a chisel. You can then do clean up with a flap sander on an angle grinder or such!
good luck. Just a bit of advice: no matter what, any operation you choose should be done safely! this could be very dangerous if the log is not secured properly. Please don't pinch the log in a vise of some sort as this could close the curf and cause kick back.
Chaim
Make your own mistakes not someone elses, this is a good way to be original !
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