Burl advise

Shawn fu

Shawn fu

Joined
Dec 10, 2005
Messages
1,207
Hi all,I recently was given a giant piece of maple burl.It had been sitting at a buddys house for a couple of years exposed to the weather.Soooooooo......today I decided to fire up the chain saw and hack a bit off-it seems to be in great shape with almost no rot-my question is-what is the best way to store this gem-should I somehow seal it to let it dry slowly or let it air dry(I would assume this would lead to drying too quickly and cracking)Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Shawn
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Shawn, if it's been cut off the tree for a couple of years, you should'nt have to do anything. Get it inside, out of the weather. If it's wet from rain & natural elements, existing cracks may creep a little more but there's not much you can do about that. Stick it somewhere [basement, dark corner of the garage] to dry up fairly slow for a couple months, then cut to about 3" x 3" x 6" blocks and check the progress. If it's still wet in the middle, store the blocks for a few more months, then to a good dry resting place. GREEN wood needs to be sealed and cured. WET wood just needs to be dried.

Others may have different advise. This is what works for me!!!
 
If you want to be sure, seal it with Anchorseal. You can get it at Woodworking stores like "Woodcraft"
 
I would follow Randy's advice and then send the blocks out to a professional stabilizing service.
 
Yes, get it in a cool dry place and let it dry out some more. You didn't say how big the burl is, but it may take years for it to dry completely. If it appears to be fairly dry after 3 months inside, cut large blocks from it and let them dry for about six months ( I like 4X4X6). Painting the end grain of the blocks with latex house paint, Anchorseal, or wax will help prevent checking if the wood is still green, but probably is not necessary if the wood has been drying for a couple years.A moisture meter is a great thing to check the degree of dryness ( maybe a local lumber yard or craftsman has one and they will check a block for you). Once below 10% moisture content ( 7% is better), sand the sides and ends with 50 grit until clean wood is exposed, and have the blocks professionally stabilized. Cut your handle scales and blocks from the stabilized larger blocks.
Stacy
 
Thanks for all the advice guys:thumbup:I will try to find some anchorseal,and I have the perfect dark corner of my garage(I call it my shop:D)
Shawn
 
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