Transform Logs --> Bowls
Downed trees are a plentiful source for woodturning blanks, however, before you turn on the saw it is important to understand the best practices for cutting and storing your own blanks. Proper preparation not only reduces waste but also sets you up for success once the blanks are mounted on the lathe using the right professional woodturning tools.
Inspecting the Tree
As you inspect a fallen tree, make sure to distinguish between limb wood and trunk wood. Generally, trunk wood includes fewer knots and irregular growth, features that add uniqueness to your piece but tend to warp and crack. While these natural features can add visual interest to a finished bowl, they also increase the likelihood of warping and cracking during drying—something to keep in mind when selecting blanks for bowl turning with bowl gouges.
Storing Before Cutting
Until you are ready to cut your log into blank sized chunks, store the wood in long pieces to limit the number of open ends at risk for cracking. Using a sealer, such as this one offered at Packard Woodworks, will guard against checking. Don't worry about removing tight bark, it will actually slow moisture loss and protect against splitting.
Cutting the Log
When you are ready to cut the log into blanks, it is helpful to understand that the middle of the log is called the 'pith' and is the tree stem. This area is very unstable, tends to dry unevenly, and should not be included in your turning blanks. Following the diagram below allows you to safely cut two bowl blanks from a single log while avoiding the volatile pith, resulting in material that’s far more predictable when refining cuts with scrapers.
Once you've cut your blanks don't forget to mark, seal and store them in a dry area until you are ready to mount them on the lathe.
Happy turning!
Information drawn from this helpful Wood Magazine article. And this informative video.