I just came into possession of a large Cherry burl that completly circled the trunk of the tree. It is over 24″ in diameter, about 16 ” tall, and weighs over 200 pounds. The burl was cut from a tree blown down in the storms that went through the southeast last week. How do I prepare this burl so that it can be used for bowl blanks? Should it be split? Cut in sections with a chain saw? Left alone to dry as is? Any ideas?
Thanks-Ron
Replies
You would be best to cut up into thirds or quarters depending. All surfaces exposed by sawing should be waxed with a wax based emulsion like Anchor Seal. Cutting burls is a bit like cutting diamonds. The trick is to cut at areas where the growth has doubled back on itself with a bark inclusion the usual result. When you view the burl there are usually obvious lobes and cutting between these is the trick. Good luck and I wish you could make your mistakes sooner but you will have to suffer through this learning period. It takes knowledge of the structure and experience to do it well. After cutting up this one you will have both.
With best regards,
Ernie Conover
Ernie-Thanks for the advice, cutting wood is always an adventure. I'll try using your guidance and hope for the best-Ronnie
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