Thread: Burl Hunting *** Caution, Naked Timber*** Scenes of Brutality***

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.

how long do you need to let them dry for, is it a similar period as for regular slabs

Originally Posted by Christos

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.

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

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

how long do you need to let them dry for, is it a similar period as for regular slabs

Dave
I will rough turn or carve them untill approximately 25mm thick, leave for two years at least (noting the hot low humidy summers we have here in WA).
If this was Tassie or Melb, probably 4 years.

So, I reckon Yes

Willy

Thank you, that is good to know

Nice haul and excellent commentary

Originally Posted by Willy Nelson

Hello Christos
I have also been told that, by experienced wood turners etc.

Maybe it is a propagated myth so the newbies don't go out and nab all the burls and the oldies have a beer and a laugh while hoarding their piles of burls lol

The Taliban of burl hunters!!!

Nice little haul there Willy.

Your daughter looks to be pretty handy with that saw. Good for her!!

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.

G'day Willy,

So after the rough carve and drying has there been any cracking/splitting of the remainder of the burl?

Thanks
Rod

Originally Posted by artme

The Taliban of burl hunters!!!

Nice little haul there Willy.

Your daughter looks to be pretty handy with that saw. Good for her!!

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

Originally Posted by rod1949

G'day Willy,

So after the rough carve and drying has there been any cracking/splitting of the remainder of the burl?

Thanks
Rod

Crikeys Rod, only been two days since I cut them. It is winter. I don't expect them to crack, but if they do, it will probably occur about Jan/Feb in the middle of summer whilst they are stored in a hot little tin shed.

Willy

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

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.