cherry burl

[Eric LaRue]

my brother-in-law and I split a burl. Not sure how to best utilize my half Any suggestions? I'm considering a natural edge bowl. I can turn up to 20"

 

[hockenbery]

my brother-in-law and I split a burl. Not sure how to best utilize my half Any suggestions? I'm considering a natural edge bowl. I can turn up to 20"

Cherry burls make terrific natural edge bowls.

They answer lies in combining your strengths with the features of the wood.

I always think hollow form first because I like turning hollow forms.
If you go natural edge bowl you may be able to save a core or two and get three or four turnings.

Cherry burls are often full of bark inclusions and those that have the bark inclusions lack structural integrity.
They also create terrific voids in natural edge bowls or in hollow forms.

It looks like your blank has the solid wood for mounting.


Have fun work safely

 

[Dave Delo]

Eric,

I just got done finishing up a cherry burl log that looks similar to yours. I thought about doing it as a large 1 piece turning or splitting it like you have and getting 2 large bowls or quartering it and getting 4 pieces. Since this was the first log burl I've ever done, I chose to increase my chances for success and cut the burl into 4 pieces. Got (1) 10"D x 8"H, (1) 9"D x 7"H, (1) 8"D x 6"H and (1) 5.5"D x 6"H vases/weed pot forms. Here's a couple pics for you. Doesn't show that well with the lighting on a cell phone camera but the grain is really outstanding.

As a side note, I kept a few off-cut pieces for myself but took a dozen or so pieces to our chapter meeting on Saturday to give away. Those old geezers were on that stuff like ants on a birthday cake!!! Like the movie Gone in 60 Seconds!

 

[brianhumbel]

I'm Eric's brother-in-law, I have the other half of the burl. Along with Eric's question, I was wondering if it's best to "twice turn" a burl bowl or wait until the burl is completely dry before turning it. Also, the bark is dry and crumbly, is there a preferred way to remove it? The bark will probably fall off a natural edge bowl.
Thanks

 

[Bill Boehme]

.... As a side note, I kept a few off-cut pieces for myself but took a dozen or so pieces to our chapter meeting on Saturday to give away. Those old geezers were on that stuff like ants on a birthday cake!!! Like the movie Gone in 60 Seconds?

hey, I resemble that remark. At our club, the young and nimble whippersnappers beat the more "mature" members to the free stuff, but we outnumber them and play the "old guy" card without hesitation.

 

[John Jordan]

If you make a natural edge bowl, you will turn away most of the good "eye" figure. Its naturally bowl shaped, so turn it that way-rim to the inside of the burl(tree). I don't care for bark, and am just finishing a hollow piece that is about 12x12 and defect free. The best cherry burl I've ever seen. I'll post it when I'm finished with the texturing.

John

 

[Dale Miner]

If you make a natural edge bowl, you will turn away most of the good "eye" figure. Its naturally bowl shaped, so turn it that way-rim to the inside of the burl(tree). I don't care for bark, and am just finishing a hollow piece that is about 12x12 and defect free. The best cherry burl I've ever seen. I'll post it when I'm finished with the texturing.

John

I agree with John.

Cherry burl bowls are spectacular, as are hollow forms.

The bark and burl texture under the bark on cherry is not as attractive as maple or other burls.

 

[Gretch Flo]

well just to be contrary. I like the bark and natural edge. When it's all eyes, its's almost too too/ With the bark (whether all of it is there, or some, and the rims is undulating (i.e not symmetrical) I think it gives a natural artsy look). Just sold a large cherry burl yesterday at a craft sale so can't photo it-sorry.
Just another confusing look at things Gretch

 

[Toby Bouder]

Here is one that I just turned. I think it looks pretty nice. About 8" x 3" WOP finish.

 

[John Jordan]

well just to be contrary. I like the bark and natural edge. When it's all eyes, its's almost too too/ With the bark (whether all of it is there, or some, and the rims is undulating (i.e not symmetrical) I think it gives a natural artsy look). Just sold a large cherry burl yesterday at a craft sale so can't photo it-sorry.
Just another confusing look at things Gretch

Its not contrary, but it should be well considered to get it as you want it. We agree, but like different things in our work. It's often hard to get people to put much thought into these things-and its really important.

John