What would you do with this...

... back side...

DW

>... other side of burl...

Re: What would you do with this...

Joseph

>Well....Personally, I would mail it to someone named Joseph who lives in Mississippi.....I doubt that others have the same opinion. lol

Re: What would you do with this...

EagleS.C.

>You live near S.C.?

Re: What would you do with this...

Richard Allen

>Hi DW

Why have you been holding onto the hunk of wood for so long?

I would suspect that you have had a thought or two over the years with regard to this piece of wood. Examine "WHY" you have been holding onto the wood and you will likely find out what to do with it.

You shouldn't put what you would like to do in a "box". This is to say that what you do with such an old friend shouldn't be constrained by your current abilities or equipment. If you don't have the skills to do with this wood what you have in your heart then make a plan to develop those skills. If you don't have the equipment then work out a plan where you can access the equipment you need (I know I could spin that on my lathe, I am sure there is someone nearby who would let you use their lathe, or make a road trip to visit and we can turn it together).

If this wood has been drying for 20 years then, somewhere along the line, this hunk of wood has become very special.

Good Luck

Richard

Re: What would you do with this...

Brad Vietje

>Nice hunk 'o burl, DW,

This is a tough one to answer. If you have big equipment, and are up to the challange, you could contact Mike Schwing and probe him for advice about how he does the beautiful platters or sculptural wall art that he has posted...

However, with 5" of thickness, you could also make 8 - 10 smaller hollow forms, or a number of beautiful bowls -- or some of each, and some with that beautiful natural edge. If you make things to sell, you might decide where youor best profit lies. If you turn for your own pleasure, you might decide to tackle a once-in-a-lifetime huge wall hanging that will become a treasured family heirloom.

Since your question was what would WE do with it -- I would cut it up and make a number of smaller objects from it. That's just where I am right now, and I don't have ready access to big equipment to handle real large-scale turnings. That is based entirely on the thickness of what you have -- if it were thinner, say 3" thick, I'd find a way to turn it as one big piece. In fact, I have a few 2" and 3" pieces like these, and I'm waiting for the inspiration to do just that.

Whatever you make, you'll have fun, and i'll bet it will be beautiful !

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

sorry...

DW

>... Oregon... would like to visit someday..

Well...

DW

>Richard, many years ago, I took a small Ford Escort and filled it with as much wood as it would carry. Looked pretty foolish at the time....

Over the years, and many moves later, I still have several chunks of the wood. My current equipment won't handle more than 10-12 inches and even that spins too fast to be safe... Have developed arthritic issues and big pieces really pound the joints...

I see some of the great work others are doing and I really hate to see the wood just sitting there when it needs to be made into one or more beautiful items that will be viewed, appreciated and enjoyed for years to come.

I know that in my better days I could have made a really good run at it... not so sure now. Pieces really need to be hollow to highlight the great bud clusters... So, I was trying to come up with ideas that would make the most of the resource...

Even thought about cutting into pieces and sending to a few of the good turners to see what they come up with... kind of a friendly competition...

Thanks for your insights and comments, they are appreciated.

DW

Re: What would you do with this...

DW

>Brad,

I am kinda leaning along those lines like I told Richard. Maybe a friendly turning competition among some good turners.

Thanks for the insights...

DW

Re: What would you do with this...

Jim Seigal

>DW, where 'bouts in Oregon? I'm in McMinnville and have a new Jet 1642 that needs to be broken in. You are welcome to come over and give it a spin. Jim S. in Beautiful McMinnville, OR.

Re: What would you do with this...

DW

>Sherwood... so Jim, how is the new Mini Max doing?

You going to the show on the 22nd?

Dave

Re: What would you do with this...

James L. Seigal

>Hi DW, You bet I'm goin'. I'm gonna take Fri.& Sat. off....I need a vacation!!!! I'm goin' by myself on Fri. and takin' the Better Half on Sat. If you're goin on Fri. I would be glad to stop and pick you up on the way through Sherwood. The Mini Max is great. That machine can work a LOT harder than I can! HA! If you would like to get in touch, my e-mail is jsseigal@juno.com. Jim S.