Replies

1. 
   ErnieConover | Dec 07, 2007 04:07pm | #1

   The answer is yes and no. Normal wood shrinks an average of 7.95% tangentially to the out side of the tree (This would be the loss in circumference) and 4.39% radially (this would be from the biological center to the outside of the tree)as it dries between 28% and ambient (say 9 or 10% in the average shop/home). It only shrinks 0.1% longitudinally (along the grain). Therefore, a piece of wood with a complete annular ring in it is doomed to failure. Cup, wind and warp all are interrelated to where the board was cut from the tree reference the grain.

   Burls are a genetic anomaly where the grain grows back on itself and becomes random. In effect the grain is homogenized. Therefore, burl shrinks uniformly as it dries--well more or less. Drying wood is as much art as science. If you are going to turn your burl it is much easier to do it wet and it will shrink quite uniformly. If you want to cut it into slices you can do so with the proper equipment. I must emphasize; however, sawing burls is dangerous. This is because their irregular shape does not lend to good support on a bandsaw table. Be sure you have good support and that it cannot roll on the table. Once sawn sticker it and let it air dry one year for each inch of thickness of you resulting planks.

   Have fun, burl is addictive to work with. I have always secretly laughed a turning conferences. While downtime at business conferences would find the average group of guys at a bar looking at girls the guys (and girls) at a turning conferences are with vendors ogling burls.

   With best regards,
   Ernie Conover

1. 
   BKmountain | Dec 08, 2007 05:11am | #2

   thanks for the information. That lets me know what I need to do.  In about a year Ill be able to use it.  I may have more questions then! 

    

   thanks, Brock   

1. 
   ErnieConover | Dec 11, 2007 03:30pm | #3

   Thought you would like to see a cherry crotch I had my local wood miser guy buzz up last week. Will be spectacular next winter. Regards,
   Ernie Conover