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17th June 2013, 11:19 PM #1
Burl Hunting *** Caution, Naked Timber*** Scenes of Brutality***
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen
Had a wonderful weekend, out with the kids, dogs, chainsaws, 4WDs, motorbikes all to track, hunt and smite down elusive burls.
For anyone who has never been on a burl hunt, let me tell you how we do it West Aussie style.
I prefer to use a number of vehicles, motor bikes are good for range and access, but a 4WD is essential for carrying the saws and of course, the carcass of burls. This particular hunt occurred on private property, during the day. Spotlighting of burls can be done of a night, just a little more dangerous.
I normally hide in the bush, armed with typically a 660 magnum chainsaw. My kids, the dogs and motorbikes acts as beaters and drive the burls to the hide I have fashioned in the habitat. I may have to lie in wait for a long time, but it is worth it. Any movement by me may spook the burls and all our efforts go to waste. Patience is the key here. As they approach, I then normally smite them with a powerfull blow of the chainsaw, despatching them quickly and humanely as possible. My daughter owns a 009, any that escape my big chopper, are rounded up with the 009 which is a little smaller and more agile (as is she).
I normally then rough carve them out or turn them at home and wait for them to dry out. All these burls are York Gum Burls. The large one I suspect is York Gum, but will reserve my decision until I carve him up.
Cheers
Willy
NOTE: I have been hunting burls at this one property for a number of years. The tree which have had their burls removed are still doing well and I believe no harm is done to them. I do prefer to do this in the winter months after rain to ensure they are not distressed after thier minor surgery with the 660 Magnum
Jarrahland
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17th June 2013 11:19 PM # ADSGoogle Adsense Advertisement
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17th June 2013, 11:46 PM #2
Interesting, I always though that the tree usually dies after a burl had been removed. It was something that I read somewhere.
Something new I have learnt.
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18th June 2013, 12:07 AM #3
how long do you need to let them dry for, is it a similar period as for regular slabs
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18th June 2013, 12:12 AM #4
Hello Christos
I have also been told that, by experienced wood turners etc. which is why I thought it important to note that fact. I have not seen a dead tree from having a burl removed. If it was the case, I would desist from this activity.
All the trees are alive and well and producing more burls, like harvesting.
Willy
Jarrahland
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18th June 2013, 12:14 AM #5
Last edited by Willy Nelson; 18th June 2013 at 12:16 AM. Reason: Added more facts and corrected spelling
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18th June 2013, 07:37 AM #6
Thank you, that is good to know
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18th June 2013, 09:04 AM #7
Nice haul and excellent commentary
Regards Rumnut.
SimplyWoodwork
Qld. Australia.
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18th June 2013, 09:51 AM #8
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18th June 2013, 10:09 AM #9Skwair2rownd
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The Taliban of burl hunters!!!
Nice little haul there Willy.
Your daughter looks to be pretty handy with that saw. Good for her!!
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18th June 2013, 11:30 AM #10
Nice score . Definitely on my list to call in as I pass next summer
Yes harvesting the burls presents no harm to the tree, provided the cut is sealed to prevent infection, I use my end sealer.Neil____________________________________________Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new
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18th June 2013, 03:30 PM #11GOLD MEMBER
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G'day Willy,
So after the rough carve and drying has there been any cracking/splitting of the remainder of the burl?
Thanks
RodExperienced in removing the tree from the furniture
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18th June 2013, 05:51 PM #12
Don't know about the Taliban of Burl Hunters (terrorist organisation, hunted around the world). But I will comment on my daughter and her chainsaw. She is very confident and adept with the saw. I tried getting her on the chainsaw course, but she must be 18 (currently 15).
For years, I have taken people out bush and properties for firewood etc and with my big 660 Magnum, we quickly fill my trailer. Well, me and the kids always help other people, including my mate with the Stihl 009. He always struggled, then realised he needed a bigger saw. I was alble to help with that as well. Anyhoo, as a gesture of his appreciation for our help, he insisted on giving my daughter his old saw. She wants to paint the bar pink!!!!! Talk about Karma, he is currently undergoing Chemo, so me and the kids went and chopped a trailer of firewood for him, with his old saw.
What goes around, comes around
Sincerely
Willy
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18th June 2013, 05:53 PM #13
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18th June 2013, 05:54 PM #14Novice
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Love the yarn and pic's.
I too love getting out bush and harvesting. I am lucky as my job means I get to call in on a lot of cotton farmers and while I'm driving round there farms I get to see all sorts of interesting things. I spied this big burl from accross the creek, seen big ones before but access was always a pain, couldn't believe I could just back the trailer up. Took me 2 days of cutting and loading 2 1/2 trailer loads from same tree, day on the pressure cleaner then another day on the csm getting them back to something I could deal with.
Am buying a lathe soon and will start to play with what I've collected over last several years. Gotta admit though, I just love going bush and wandering round the trees. Wonder if they make portable lathes..........
Anyway, couple of pic's for you all.photo 1.JPGphoto 2.JPGphoto 3.JPG
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18th June 2013, 06:02 PM #15
Willy thanks a fellow I know is hankering to take me to check out his hidden stash here on his property I will let him know the requirements of vehicles after all there is a great auction of ex-military gear on at the moment to access some of his place a 6x6 or half track would come in handy.
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