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Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

Spalted Sycamore

Posts

Spalted Sycamore

#1

Spalted Sycamore

Rob in Kansas

>I came home today with some more spalted Sycamore. I think I caught it at just the right time. When cleaning it up I hit it with my block plane and it didn't even dent it, but the spalting is just spectacular! With the late evening sun I don't think I got a great pic, but here it is.

Now for all you experts (that means everybody but me :) what is a good size to cut for the average bowl or hollow form? On average I tried to get it where I could get a 12" round about 6-8" deep. Does that sound good? I suppose I could get one for a hollow form about 18" tall and 8" round. With some input I'll cut a piece to put up as a benefit auction.

Rob


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Re: Spalted Sycamore

#2

Re: Spalted Sycamore

Rob in Kansas

>Six blanks total. 26" Disston for size.


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Re: Spalted Sycamore

#3

Re: Spalted Sycamore

Jim Pugh, Ohio

>Might I suggest that on at least a couple of pieces that could be 12" round by 6-8 inches deep that you make 2 blanks 12" round by 3-4 inches deep. Many of my early bowls were quite deep and along with being more difficult (for me) to turn easily, they didn't seem too popular otherwise. The shallower bowls look nice and are a pleasure to turn. And, you get more bowl blanks from your wood.

Re: Spalted Sycamore

#4

right on Jim....

TD

>the height should be no more than half the diameter; 1/3 is even better

TD

Re: Spalted Sycamore

#5

Re: Okay, smaller is better!

Rob in Kansas

>Less weight for that long haul back when I'm borrowing a pickup that doesn't have 4x4 like my Jeep!

Now what about ratios for hollow forms?

The section is about 20" high and 40-45" diam with the outside 8-12" good and solid. Inside of that there is punky, rotted wood and the center was gone.

I'm planning on getting some the full 20" tall to resaw for bookmatched pannels and stock for boxes. Given the above sizes I would think I could easily get 20 blanks plus plenty of lumber.

Thanks

Re: Spalted Sycamore

#6

Re: Spalted Sycamore

Scott Thorburn

>That looks like a tough way to saw up your turning blanks. :-)

Re: Spalted Sycamore

#7

Re: You wouldn't believe how tired my arm is!

Rob in Kansas

>Na, that's just what I had handy for the photo. Cutting was with a Husquarvna 350 w/ 18" bar. :)

But I do need to get the bearings repoured on my 26" Cresent band saw..,otherwise the Disstion will get a workout!