got some logs

[jow104]

My neighbour cut down a bay tree yesterday (laurel?) and I have been given logs as per picture.




So diameter is from 3" to around 8".
My axminster lathe M333 has a max swing of 9" or 12" length so these should be usable?

Should I cut to 9" lengths (or slightly longer if storing) and get to work immediately and rough out to bowl shape or leave for a few months?

[weisyboy]

cut into blanks and seal teh end grain a leave to dry for a wile anyhow. thats what i would do.

[Cliff Rogers]

The bottom part of the one near the wall should be interesting.

[corbs]

As Cliff said... it looks like a couple of bits of olive I have out in the garage

[Ed Reiss]

Hi Woody...

By cutting them into 9" lengths and sealing the ends it will take years to dry. By blanking them out, then roughing out to about an inch to an inch/half then sealing, the drying time is cut drastically- sometimes as little as 3-4 months (depending on the species).

Good luck.

Cheers,

Ed

[SawDustSniffer]

better to rough them when there green to get large bowls ,and leave to dry in there saw dust 3-4 months
or 1/2 the log ,seal the ends , then split with an axe (where the splits are )for spindle work a few years later ,
so rough a few and store a few

[jow104]

Developing my right bicep and cut two lumps off with handsaw,(made a sticky mess of my saw, had to scrape the waste of with my thumbnail)




So now should I send away for some large turning chisels, I only have those small ones for pen making, or will they be ok for just occassional use.. plus chuck , plus, where is the plastic.

[Ed Reiss]

I only have those small ones for pen making, or will they be ok for just occassional use.. plus chuck , plus, where is the plastic.

Yep...you've got the $$$ "turners addiction" big time now!! LOL

Cheers,

Ed

[Texian]

Woody,
Seal the ends immediately whilst awaiting delivery of new turning tools.

[jow104]

yep, they have got PVA glue on sawn areas.