I've got two manzanita root burls that I've had stored away for a project
that's no longer needed. The smaller one measures about 5" across and the
larger one about twice that. I've never worked with this and I have no idea
how one even cuts this (or why), whether it's desirable to try to smooth out
the surface or leave it very rough, and finally how to finish it.

Google isn't much help at all so I'd appreciate a few hints or links to
ideas about what to do with this material.

TIA
Norm