Turning burl bowls

Slab Slicer · September 18, 2012, 11:12:53 PM

Just discovered my lathe again after a long break. I had cut some burls from a maple tree some time ago, and wanted to see what they would look like. Not bad for my first try.

Okrafarmer · September 18, 2012, 11:14:04 PM

Oh, nice!

Slab Slicer · September 18, 2012, 11:15:11 PM

And another shot

Slab Slicer · September 18, 2012, 11:17:17 PM

Quote from: Okrafarmer on September 18, 2012, 11:14:04 PM
Oh, nice!

Thank you okrafarmer. I've always liked working with wood, and turning is one of my favorites. I have several other burls to work with. I'd like to try a "live edge" burl bowl next.

Okrafarmer · September 18, 2012, 11:18:29 PM

That was a nice solid burl, very little tear-out or voids. What species of maple was it, sugar maple?

Slab Slicer · September 18, 2012, 11:29:18 PM

That's one of the things I have to learn. So many maples, it's tough to tell. Sorry I can't be more specific, but that's one of the reasons I'm here. To learn one from the other

Okrafarmer · September 18, 2012, 11:48:34 PM

It can be hard to tell the species in log or wood form, but if you see the tree when it's alive, the leaves provide a lot of the clues to tell one maple from another. I use Peterson Field Guides, Eastern Trees as a good starting place, but some kinds of trees such as maples can be notoriously variable from one area to another.

Tree Feller · September 19, 2012, 06:04:33 AM

Nice bowls from some awesome burl wood. For some reason, burls are few and far between around here and then they are mostly Oak. I'd love to get my hands on some nice Maple burl like the ones you turned.

Burlkraft · September 19, 2012, 07:47:16 AM

Nice work Slicer 8)

I have some Big Leaf Maple burls that look like that. The maple burls we get in this part of the country do not usually have the big eyes.
I would assume that they are hard maple, from my limited experience. :

Were they dry? If they were I'll bet they were hard too. I have found they turn a lot better, less tear out if they are a bit green yet.

What ever they are they are definatly awesome looking and a great turning job also.

I need to discover my lathes once again. I really can't remember the last time I turned.
Of courseI can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday either! :D

Lud · September 19, 2012, 08:01:57 AM

Real nice looking burl.

I turned yesterday for the first time in over 8 weeks as I was redoing the den at the wife's request........so no time to turn, capiche?

I did OK...but felt rusty as all get out. I guess muscle memory and "touch" fade pretty quick. So turn more if you want to turn better. Kind of like my golf swing! HA! 8)

Magicman · September 19, 2012, 08:27:41 AM

Very nice craftsmanship. (and bowls too)

Turning is one thing that I have never done since high school shop. :-\

Lud · September 19, 2012, 07:45:18 PM

Probably a fortunate coincidence for you, MM. Wood lathes are actually Time Machines. Start working on one and the hours can just vanish!

On the other side of the equation, I've never met a woman yet who doesn't like wooden bowls. Just ask Charlie! ;D ;D 8)

Slab Slicer · September 19, 2012, 08:34:26 PM

Thanks guys, for all the compliments, and info. These burls were dry for the most part. They sat out after cutting, since early this year. I have several others that I'd like to get on the lathe. Maybe a good winter time killer, if I'm not on the mill on those really cold days.

I'll have to pick up that Pertersons feild guide that okrafarmer mentioned. It would be nice to know exactly what I have on the mill. I have a large clearing job lined up, and there were quit a few maples on the lot.

Woodey · September 19, 2012, 11:41:58 PM

Slab Slicer

Fine Burl Bowl.

What type of finish did you use?

Okrafarmer · September 20, 2012, 12:54:55 AM

Slab, the Peterson's guide is a good quick reference for the whole eastern US, but you may be able to get a pamphlet or book from your local forestry office that will give you a guide to the trees just in your state, which will likely be more accurate and specific to your area.

Den Socling · September 20, 2012, 03:06:09 PM

For stair parts, hard maple is more valuable than soft maple. When soft maple is dried in a conventional kiln, it can pick up a "salmon" discoloration. When soft maple is dried in a vacuum kiln, it comes out as white as hard maple because of the lack of oxidation. Anyway, when I have seen packs of PET hard maple squares with a few soft maple squares "accidently" mixed in, the more porous SM end grain would stand out like a sore thumb.