On Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:28:37 GMT, "Toller" wrote:

I bought three half log cherry burls at an auction. The logs were cut in
half and the ends were somewhat coated but not very well. I expect they
have been stored like that for some time.

Today I cut them into turning blanks. The newly cut wood measures 14-16%
moisture, compared to 24+ for fresh wood and about 8% for kiln dried in my
basement. So, they are pretty dry, but not bone dry.
A large piece of roughcut 12/4 curly maple I bought at the auction also
measures 14-16%, so it was probably just humid where they were stored.

Do I:
1) rough turn them, dry them, and finish turn them.
2) just finish turn them now
3) let them dry, and then finish turn them
4) something else

All of the above... depending on what YOU like as a finished project..

I used to turn wet, dry, return and finish..
It was (for me) a real PITA and some cracked while drying, no mater if they were
sealed, bagged, etc..

If the wood is cooperative, I like to finish turn them green or wet, as thin as
possible...

I wet sand my stuff with Danish Oil, so if the wood will fine sand, (some does
wet, others just clog the paper), I sand to a fine finish, add a few more coats
of oil and set them aside to warp..

IMO, warped bowls are unique and interesting.. and seem to have a certain appeal
to buyers... works for me, because I love the shapes and features that develop
when they warp..

OTOH, cracked bowls don't sell well and make awkward firewood.. YMWV


mac

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