Should I dry it first, then turn it; or turn it green?
What's the best/fastest way to dry it? As a log or as a sliced blank?

When I slice it, should I use one of the outside slices or the center
cut, for turning? My bandsaw won't accomodate the log, so I'll be
using a chainsaw. I'm guessing I should then lay the slice down and
bandsaw it close to circular before mounting on the lathe to avoid
loosening my teeth while trying to round it up. Any thoughts?

Concerning Ch. Tallow: Any toxicity issues (I can't imagine they'll
ever use the bowl for food, but just in case...)? Once I get a decent
bowl, is the rest worth saving for woodworking...or better firewood?

Hi

I turned a bit of tallow when I lived on the Texas gulf coast. It's not that
great to work with.

I'd slice the pith out of the log and rough turn it green: use wax or your
personal favorite trick to slow the drying. It will warp a fair bit (based on
my experience) so leave the rough out with probably an inch to 1.25 inch wall
thickness.

I have heard it said that tallow sap has some toxicity, but never really
researched it since it wasn't something that I considered good turning stock.
And it is not good firewood either!

Hope this helps, feel free to email if you have more questions

Kip Power
Rogers, AR