Thread: Brown Oak Burl for Georgian kettle stands ?

Try it. I don't think you would have any problems, but if you did, it is a learning curve.

I make round table tops out of similar Oak . Ive never dished one of the gnarly figured Oak ones like your doing though . Id just tap in good fitting grain matched wedges first. What is to fine for wedges use saw dust and glue .
Are you turning them on a lathe ?
Rob

Originally Posted by auscab

I make round table tops out of similar Oak . Ive never dished one of the gnarly figured Oak ones like your doing though . Id just tap in good fitting grain matched wedges first. What is to fine for wedges use saw dust and glue .
Are you turning them on a lathe ?
Rob

Thanks Rob. When inserting the wedges is it best to take out a little of the original material to allow easier fitting ?

I don't have any turning facilities as yet, I am going to be using a friends pole lathe....I'm really not sure how that grain will work out though !

Originally Posted by Anotherplane

Thanks Rob. When inserting the wedges is it best to take out a little of the original material to allow easier fitting ?

Yes, If it makes it easier to fit.
If it takes lots of small wedges then do that rather than one or two. What ever suits to glue it up as long as you don't pound them in to hard and push things apart. Sometimes I put in patches if the damage is to big . Its all worth it though because some of the roughest knotty wood have made some of the best tops. I know this because they sell the fastest . I don't have to try they just fly.

Originally Posted by Anotherplane

I don't have any turning facilities as yet, I am going to be using a friends pole lathe....I'm really not sure how that grain will work out though !

Take fine cuts .Your going to run into knots every time they come around. More power would be better but it will probably work .
Ive never used a pole lathe .You could always rout down and just do the last inch perimeter on the pole lathe maybe ?

Rob

Originally Posted by Anotherplane

I don't have any turning facilities as yet, I am going to be using a friends pole lathe....I'm really not sure how that grain will work out though !

Sharp tools, light cuts. Keep the grinder close to the lathe and don't be afraid to use it every few minutes. Burls tend to take the edge off tools fairly quickly.

Before roughing into shape try dressing the top surface to get a feel for the wood.

If this test run results in lots of tear-out, try again but using a scraper instead of a gouge, some timbers cut better that way.

There is no shame in resorting to the 80 grit gouge. (ie. sandpaper. A 'perfect finish off the tool' is machinist elitism. )

Originally Posted by auscab

You could always rout down and just do the last inch perimeter on the pole lathe maybe ?

Rob

That's a good idea....and it would be fun going from a screaming router to the tranquility of the pole lathe !

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

There is no shame in resorting to the 80 grit gouge. (ie. sandpaper. A 'perfect finish off the tool' is machinist elitism. )

True, and sometimes you just have to find a way to make it work...