Sycamore Burl

Re: Sycamore Burl

Tony Reynolds in Newark, Ohio

>Hi Bernie,

Sycamore is beautiful wood. I don't think you want to dry it. You want to seal it to keep it from drying too fast and checking. You can use a product call Anchorseal a waxy paint like substance or dip it in hot paraffin and let it set up. If none of this is available painting the exposed cuts with several coats of paint will help seal it. Then store in a cool place until ready to turn.

Tony

Re: Sycamore Burl

Brad Vietje

>Bernie,

If this burl is sound, you'll probably want to find someone who can advise you in terms of how to cut it into usable parts, and perhaps core it into a number of bowl rough-outs. Most people will tell you you DON'T want to dry it, at least until you have rough-turned something out of it. For now, your best bet is to keep it from drying.

If you are new to dissecting burls, I can give two pieces of advice: 1. There's no one correct way to do it, and 2. No two burls seem to be the same on the inside. I'd seek out someone in a local turning group who has a reputation for turning burls and natural-edge bowls, and see if they will work with you.

Good luck -- nice find !

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: Sycamore Burl

Bernie

>Thanks for all the help and advise....