On 09/16/2016 10:08 AM, Dr. Deb wrote:
On Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 11:30:18 AM UTC-5, wrote:
I pulled the last of an Apple Tree out of the ground today, and have been
looking at turning it. I have not cleaned it off yet, so I don't know if
the root ball is intact or has rotted out like most of the rest of the
tree. It's about 10" in diameter.

The soil was a mix of top soil and heavy clay. Would it be worth putting
it in a bath (not the bath tub, just a small pool) for a while to loosen
and wash off the clay? I've seen a pressure washer suggested a few times,
but do not have one.

This will be my first time working with a root ball, what should I be
looking for? Do I need to dry it?

If I try to turn a large piece, will 600 RPM (the slowest my lathe goes) be
slow enough?

Puckdropper

Root stock does not turn any differently than wood higher up the tree. It does have more chance for a wonderfully convoluted grain, voids, inclusions, etc. All of which make for an interesting piece.

If it were me, I would wash it off with a garden hose, getting most of the dirt gone. Then cut a manageable blank and see what unfolds. The ones I have turned have been very rewarding. Just do not get in a hurry and keep reading the wood.


Trim the root ball to manageable size and take it to a car wash and
pressure-spray it without the soap.