cutting burl

If you do cut it up. try the microwave to dry a piece. Start off with a low time of saw 30 seconds and see if that gets it just uncomfortable to hold. Let it cool and go at it several more time. The sides will collapse some but the graining will still be there. I've see birch burls done this way that have come out very well and no two years to wait. Frank
 
Leave the bark on and paint the cut exposed parts. Ideal just let it sit for a while, was it on a live tree or dead? If live it is very wet and just sitting for a few months before cutting is best. then cut it up into big chunks. Wrap the chunks in newspaper or put in a cardboard box for a while then I would try the oven or drying box. It has to dry slowly at first and as the moisture drops more drying will draw out the last bits of moisture. So slow at first or it will crack, it will also crack on the outside in where Rob said the best wood is. Good luck go slow and forget about it for a long time would be best. I see some snow, just park it in the garage/shed until at least spring, with the non bark part painted, could be the difrerence between a lot of burl and a few bits you saved from a rush job..
Cheers Ron.
 
Mungo Park said:
Leave the bark on and paint the cut exposed parts. Ideal just let it sit for a while, was it on a live tree or dead? If live it is very wet and just sitting for a few months before cutting is best. then cut it up into big chunks. Wrap the chunks in newspaper or put in a cardboard box for a while then I would try the oven or drying box. It has to dry slowly at first and as the moisture drops more drying will draw out the last bits of moisture. So slow at first or it will crack, it will also crack on the outside in where Rob said the best wood is. Good luck go slow and forget about it for a long time would be best. I see some snow, just park it in the garage/shed until at least spring, with the non bark part painted, could be the difrerence between a lot of burl and a few bits you saved from a rush job..
Cheers Ron.
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thanks, that sounds like a good idea, one problem, i have a 200 lb. ball of wood in my dining room, any chance i could half it with a chain saw and then paint it, to make it a bit easier to handle and relocate. and yes it was a live tree.

andrew
 
I use a chain saw to cut into managable pieces, what you can do is cut the large piece just into pieces that will fit your bandsaw and use the bandsaw for the final pieces that you will dry.
 
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