Hello –
I was just able to save a large burl from an oak tree the city was about to chip. The wood appears to be solid (some rot in the main trunk, none in the burl as near as I can tell).
The piece is about 2′ in diameter and about a 1.5 feet thick at it’s thickest point.
I would like to eventually use the wood for drawer fronts or similar decorative treatments — perhaps cutting a set of about 1/2 to 1/4 inch thick pieces.
How do I dry and mill the burl? Should I cut it first then dry, or let it dry and then cut it? Any idea what a shop would charge to process it?
Thanks in advance for all the help,
Jim
Replies
Jim, i think the best use for burls, is to either use it for lathe turned objects, or to cut it into veneer.
If you try to cut it into lumber, there will be lots of run-out, and uneven shrinkage and warping, that it will likely just turn out to be like a horribly cull board, but maybe you can find a better use for it.
Definitely work it green, unless you are fond of checks and cracks. The thinner you can work with it the better, and the slower you can dry it is better.
Be sure to paint the end-grain ASAP.:
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