Hats off to the Burl Turners - my first attempt

**Hardenfast** · 30th December 2008, 02:22 PM

I've had this old, old burl laying around here for some time. It was picked up from some sort of eucalypt (Yellow Box maybe?) which had been laying on the ground for some time at a property at Marulan (NSW). The tree was virtually rotted out as well as being mostly eaten away by termites. Both afflictions were present in and throughout the burl as well. The FIL and I figure it may have lain there quite dead for 10-12 years. It was on his property, and was chain sawed/broken off the tree and spirited away to my place.

Accordingly, it was put into the "too hard" pile for another year, but I decided to take a more studious look at it over the Christmas break. So, I got about half way through it with the 21" band saw before the 1 1/4" blade turned blue and started to smoke. The dirt and abrasives within the burl had effectively worn all the set off the teeth - not to mention the hardness of the timber itself had completely rounded over the points.

Attachment 92710 Attachment 92718

Undaunted, I got out the hand saw tooth setter and worked my way around the blade/band (hadn't tried that before but it worked a treat!), then worked my way around again with a 100mm angle grinder with a metal grinding disc to touch up the teeth points. Again, first time I did this but it seemed to be very successful. I didn't realise until I began this process that this blade has every third tooth with no set - ie; one set left, one set right and then no set. Is that common with all band saws?

Anyway, I attacked the piece again and this time it went through quite easily. I'll now revisit some of my other band saw blades with my newfound ability. I cut out what I thought would be a reasonable piece which would hopefully not fly into a million pieces. I cut a chuck hole on one side with a forstner bit and mounted it onto the lathe.

Of course it was wildly out of shape so I gently applied a bowl gouge to the thing at slow speed to test its (and my) resolve. Turns out it had more resolve than I did, so after a few cursory (and sphincter tightening) revolutions I resorted to another 100mm grinder, this time equipped with an Arbortec disc. By following the outer trace marks left by the bowl gouge I was able to round this thing very quickly and quite accurately while still on the chuck.

Attachment 92711 Attachment 92712 Attachment 92713

I could then get the bowl gouge working nicely on a relatively consistent cut, so I finished off the lower outside of the piece - complete with my new Rockler brand - and turned another chuck mortise on the base. I then remounted it to attack the inside, again with the Arbortec then bowl gouge.

Attachment 92714 Attachment 92715

Man, I think I'll stick to segmenting. This stuff is just too hard and unstable! I persevered to get a reasonably consistent 6-7mm wall thickness, which meant that some of the fissures go all the way through. It was also a major battle to keep the rim from flying off in all directions. Very carefull application of the scraper to minimise sanding. I used my usual Shellawax coating (it's all I have), using a brush to poke the wax right into the crevices to avoid any coagulated buildup.

Attachment 92716 Attachment 92717

Given the original piece I had to work with I was quite happy with finished item. It stands around 240mm diameter by 80mm high. I have a whole new respect for the burl turners. Apologies - it seems my posts always end up much longer than anticipated.

Wayne

**lubbing5cherubs** · 30th December 2008, 02:25 PM

beautiful
Toni

**Pat** · 30th December 2008, 02:45 PM

Wayne, you had a good go at it. Burls are hilarious fun to turn. I now finish mine in Danish Oil as I got sick and tired of pushing thru or scrapping out the wax build up in the fissures. A Full face visor is a godsend for this type of turning

**BobL** · 30th December 2008, 03:25 PM

Good effort Wayne. I normally don't like burl but it has inspired me to have a go at a couple of pieces.
Cheers

**Skew ChiDAMN!!** · 30th December 2008, 03:33 PM

Nicely done! The natural flaws really enhance the piece, it would've been a shame to epoxy fill 'em during turning.

I tend to use a LOT of duct tape wrapped around the outside when hollowing such an "iffY" piece. I can't say that it holds it all together any better, but it does stop a lot of flak in case of those Oops moments (of which I seem to be becoming increasingly susceptible...

)

**wheelinround** · 30th December 2008, 03:37 PM

Nice bowl Wayne

nah top bowl

Have a couple of burls mostly flat better suited to platters or clocks

although

a fellow up there gave me a couple of pieces I could try making a vase out of.

TY Pat now I know what I'm in for.

**artme** · 30th December 2008, 04:08 PM

Good upon you Wayne! You've ended up with a great discussion piece.

How are thye knuckles and fingertips?

**Hardenfast** · 30th December 2008, 05:32 PM

Many thanks guys - and gal.

Pat, I don't know about hilarious, but it was fun. Sort of like like that bungee jumping fun. I think I'll experiment with a few oil finishes and see how they go. Danish oil, you say? And yes, I have a face mask but it seems to constantly fog up when I'm wearing it, so I'm embarrased to admit that all my turning so far has been using my reading glasses as a shield.

Bob, by all means give it a go. Why should Pat & I have all the fun?

Thanks Skew. I think that your endorsement means a lot around here. The duct tape is a good idea, and which I'll probably utilise if if ever decide to have this much fun again!

Ray, after seeing the latest works by yourself & Sue I'm seriously considering some ornamental experimentation. Just as soon as I learn how to use my lathe properly.

Artme, you know the Arbortec was harder on the fingers & hands than the lathe/chisel process was? That thing spits off debris like you wouldn't believe! I was using the industrial cutter wheel which has 3 large tungsten teeth - much more agressive than the carver's wheel which has the replaceable small HSS cutters. It tears off material like a maniac, but it's like being constantly shot in the hand & fingers with an air rifle. I ended up having to put a glove on my right hand during the whole "power carving" exercise. No such probs once I got onto the lathe turning bit. Even the sanding went OK. Touch wood.

Wayne

**wheelinround** · 30th December 2008, 06:00 PM

Wayne Macadamia or Walnut or Avacardo Oil (coles or woolies food section) works great on stuff I have done (not burls yet) oil it up wipe off excess sand it while wet it will harden via friction leave for a bit it'll harden even more ( go have a coffee) apply a couple of coats sanding down.

I'll say that it depends on the wood what colour you get

**Hardenfast** · 30th December 2008, 06:30 PM

Thanks Ray. Maybe I'll have to do some grocery shopping for the missus.

BTW, does anyone know why my pictures don't display on this page?

**DJ’s Timber** · 30th December 2008, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by Hardenfast

Thanks Ray. Maybe I'll have to do some grocery shopping for the missus.

BTW, does anyone know why my pictures don't display on this page?

Nice job Wayne, top effort for persevering with it

As for your image prob, you're probably logged in on a different URL from the one you actually uploaded them from.

For example, the above images are on the "www.woodworkforums.com" URL whilst you might now be logged in on the "www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au" URL, images will only show up as long the image & Log On URL are the same

**Grumpy John** · 30th December 2008, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by Hardenfast

BTW, does anyone know why my pictures don't display on this page?

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

As for your image prob, you're probably logged in on a different URL from the one you actually uploaded them from.

For example, the above images are on the "www.woodworkforums.com" URL whilst you might now be logged in on the "www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au" URL, images will only show up as long the image & Log On URL are the same

This is a source of constant annoyance, apparently nothing can be done about it as there are several URL's used by the Forum. The explanation given in other posts makes no sense to me as I am in no way a computer guru.

**Hardenfast** · 30th December 2008, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

Nice job Wayne, top effort for persevering with it

As for your image prob, you're probably logged in on a different URL from the one you actually uploaded them from.

For example, the above images are on the "www.woodworkforums.com" URL whilst you might now be logged in on the "www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au" URL, images will only show up as long the image & Log On URL are the same

Yep, there they are - that was the problem. Thanks for the tip and the comments, DJ.

Wayne

**DJ’s Timber** · 30th December 2008, 07:37 PM

Originally Posted by Grumpy John

This is a source of constant annoyance, apparently nothing can be done about it as there are several URL's used by the Forum. The explanation given in other posts makes no sense to me as I am in no way a computer guru.

It's simple really GJ, sign into each URL as it comes up and make sure to tick the Remember Me box and don't delete your cookies or Log Off after you've finished browsing the forums.

**Grumpy John** · 30th December 2008, 07:51 PM

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

It's simple really GJ, sign into each URL as it comes up and make sure to tick the Remember Me box and don't delete your cookies or Log Off after you've finished browsing the forums.

DJ
This is my home page and I have checked the remember me box. I don't clear the cookies, however there are still times that the thumbnails don't show up. I have read the posts regarding this problem, but still find it annoying that occasionally I have to use a different URL to see thumbnails. Sorry for the temporary hijack of this thread.

Wayne, I apologise for not mentioning it in my earlier post, but well done on your excellent first effort turning a burl

. I'm sure it won't be your last.

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