Red Mallee Burl

[Dr_dewey]

purchased this burl and don't know the best way to turn it.


the front of the burl

back of the burl

this is the one option , blue is the foot tenon, green would be the shape of the walls and the orange would be the front hollowed out. The red line represents the center of the widest circle available on the front.

option 1 to turn

this is the other option - i know the curves won't be this way as they should be symetrical

second option

Any advice on how to tackle this piece would be appreciated.

 

[Wally Dickerman]

As long as you plan to turn an open bowl, my choice would be an ogee form, with a dovetail foot. and a natural edge. A customer sent me a cherry burl to turn for him and I plan to do just that.

Wally

 

[Bill Grumbine]

Hi Dr.

I have been turning a number of pieces like this one over the past few months. You can see some of my efforts on my personal site, specifically http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/turn8.html . Also, if you click on this link http://www.enter.net/~ultradad/cherrybaloneyslice01.jpg you will see one of my most recent pieces like that.

I like Wally's idea of an ogee shape too. This is just an alternative to consider.

BTW, I will be coming your way in May!

Bill

 

[Dave Peebles]

Hi Doc,

I think I would try to turn it as a natural edge bowl. I do quite a few this way. Leaving the bark edge on the top of the bowl gives it that "Wow Factor"
They are not that much tougher to do. Just got to keep an eye on the uneven rim... or knuckle buster 🙂

In the first link that Bill posted is a very nice example. Of course, your piece will make a much shallower bowl... but the same idea.

That is a great looking piece of wood. Good luck with it. Have you thought about a coring system for saving all the good stuff inside? Burls are what finally made me take the leap. I hated seeing all those great burl shavings go to the wood stove.

Best wishes,

Dave

 

[Sascha]

i just finished one just like that from brown mallee
it was so much fun i ordered a few more

sascha

 

[Dr_dewey]

thanx for the good ideas, the second pic in Bill's first link looks do-able with this piece, its not very thick maybe 3". with the one side longer there should be a small wing, maybe there will be enough for a circle.

no corer yet, in the savings jar.

Yes Bill, look forward to the demo in May at the WGO.