Best way to process this

[BrianB1234]

This tree recently had some assistance falling. ( wife has always wanted me to leave it alone but it was dying so I took my opportunity to help the process.)

what would be the best way to process the burls? My main hobby of interest is turning but if doing slabs would make sense Im able to do that as well.

 

[Jonkou]

Read through some of my and others posts in this Processing forum. Have detailed my process many times. For best results to make turning blanks would recommend cutting it into manageable lengths and seal the ends. Stack it off the ground (on pallets) and under cover to keep the weather off it. Process it further when the free moisture has escaped and the moisture reading is around 20 max, half dead winter cut logs that size here in NH would be at least a year if stored properly. Get in touch if you want to trade or sell some of it.

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

Is the first picture the stump? Because if it is, you may "need" to dig out thestump. It appears to be a maple which very possible has a huge or at least large root burl.
Also, a diameter of the tree may help folks advise.
If you wish to use the planks, slice it up. If you want to turn stuff outta that, cut blanks.
I would take a section out of the top and section a foot or so long then split it right down the middle to see what the figure was in the upper part. The lower should only be better.
Those eyes that I see are an excellent sign

 

[BrianB1234]

Is the first picture the stump? Because if it is, you may "need" to dig out thestump. It appears to be a maple which very possible has a huge or at least large root burl.
Also, a diameter of the tree may help folks advise.
If you wish to use the planks, slice it up. If you want to turn stuff outta that, cut blanks.
I would take a section out of the top and section a foot or so long then split it right down the middle to see what the figure was in the upper part. The lower should only be better.
Those eyes that I see are an excellent sign

Read through some of my and others posts in this Processing forum. Have detailed my process many times. For best results to make turning blanks would recommend cutting it into manageable lengths and seal the ends. Stack it off the ground (on pallets) and under cover to keep the weather off it. Process it further when the free moisture has escaped and the moisture reading is around 20 max, half dead winter cut logs that size here in NH would be at least a year if stored properly. Get in touch if you want to trade or sell some of it.

If you wanted to make the trip down to the seacoast area you’re more than welcome to come chop off a chunk!

 

[BrianB1234]

Is the first picture the stump? Because if it is, you may "need" to dig out thestump. It appears to be a maple which very possible has a huge or at least large root burl.
Also, a diameter of the tree may help folks advise.
If you wish to use the planks, slice it up. If you want to turn stuff outta that, cut blanks.
I would take a section out of the top and section a foot or so long then split it right down the middle to see what the figure was in the upper part. The lower should only be better.
Those eyes that I see are an excellent sign

That isn’t the stump. That’s a cap from one of the burls. I can confirm it is a maple (with ambrosia running through it.) I ripped a 3inch about a foot long lengthwise of the tree down near the bottom of the trunk(basically an 3 inch slab) and it still has some eyes in it. I’m hoping it goes pretty deep into wood. It’s a gorgeous piece if not though!

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

If you already have a foot long log, I would recommend continuing those 3 inch rips through that entire 12 inch piece. That will give you a better idea of the depth of the figure.
With ambrosia... That will make awesome planks or bowl blanks. Just depends how productive you intend to be. My wife would insist we sliced for slabs. I like a dukes mix. Any portion of the tree that is over 25 inches is very attractive to live edge wood workers. If the figure is mainly in the exterior 5 inches, it will still make beautiful slabs in the center portion and you make blanks from the upper and lower cuts...

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

That isn’t the stump. That’s a cap from one of the burls. I can confirm it is a maple (with ambrosia running through it.) I ripped a 3inch about a foot long lengthwise of the tree down near the bottom of the trunk(basically an 3 inch slab) and it still has some eyes in it. I’m hoping it goes pretty deep into wood. It’s a gorgeous piece if not though!

What is the diameter of the tree? This sure is pretty.

 

[BrianB1234]

What is the diameter of the tree? This sure is pretty.

It’s about 30” in diameter at the base. But the entire middle of the tree is rotted out.

 

[Mike Hill]

I'd be biased - turning blanks. I'd be giddy as a school girl to have a tree like that!

 

[2feathers Creative Making]

It’s about 30” in diameter at the base. But the entire middle of the tree is rotted out.

How large a hole in the center? It sounds like bowl blanks followed by spindle and pen blanks so far.
I would chunk a foot or so off the tree like it sounds you have, then cut just barely into the good wood similar to this figure. The green lines point to where your smaller blanks come from. The upper section would mirror the lower. That way I could get at least 2 wider pieces. If they look figured enough to suit you, maybe cut a couple 8 foot slabs out of the butt cut before making the rest into turning blanks.


This was an oak. I cut it to maximize figure so my cuts were more quartered. But maple doesn't tend to improve that much so I would flat cut maple.

 

[Jonkou]

If you wanted to make the trip down to the seacoast area you’re more than welcome to come chop off a chunk!

Thanks and appreciate the offer Brian. Cant work hard outdoors this time of year and put my saw away til spring.

 

[BrianB1234]

Thanks and appreciate the offer Brian. Cant work hard outdoors this time of year and put my saw away til spring.

If you want to cover shipping I'm more than happy to send you a few caps. I hear we're getting a mega store this weekend so I probably wouldn't get to them for a few weeks.

 

[Mike Hill]

I'd be interested.

 

[Billy]

I’m in CT, how far into NH are you? Could bring a few chainsaws to help you process in exchange for some beauties. Also a turner myself.

 

[Jonkou]

If you want to cover shipping I'm more than happy to send you a few caps. I hear we're getting a mega store this weekend so I probably wouldn't get to them for a few weeks.

Let me know in a few weeks when you are ready to cut, can come there.

 

[Nubsnstubs]

Just yesterday I watched this youtube video of some people in Europe slabbing a tree that looked like that. They used a Alaskan sawmill to get it done. The people milling showed no emotion at all, but that was some of the prettiest burled wood I have ever seen.
Do it right to get every last piece with no scraps. ............ Nubs

 

[Nubsnstubs]

here is the video. It's Mappa Burl. Five minutes.

............ Nubs

 

[Nature Man]

here is the video. It's Mappa Burl. Five minutes.

............ Nubs

Those slabs are breathtaking!

 

[djg]

here is the video. It's Mappa Burl. Five minutes.

............ Nubs

That sixth? slab (4:30) is crazy! Wonder why they used the ladder every cut? Usually it's only on the first cut.

 

[Nubsnstubs]

That sixth? slab (4:30) is crazy! Wonder why they used the ladder every cut? Usually it's only on the first cut.

There's another guy, Belko Woods, is his YT channel, from Belarus, that does the same thing. .......... Nubs