help with a Burl

[theevilmike]

it was suggested to move this here
hope thats ok

im not sure where to post this question, feel free to move it if it needs moving
ive come across an iron wood burl, its very large
its from central ontario canada
Ironwood Ostrya virginiana, is the official name

the question is what to do with it
sell it? keep it?
if im to keep it, how do i preserve it for use, the info ive found states that it could take 5 to 10 years to dry, possibly more, unless i cut it up
id hate to cut it up if its better to leave it as is
any advice is better than what i have now
thanks, ill include some pics

Mike

i sprayed some varathane to seal it

 

[Gene Martin]

Mike,

Get some anchorseal and paint it on. It's like elmers glue in appearance. It's made for sealing wood. While it's really cold there the wood can still dehydrate and check. Varathane is a good start. Anchorseal, IIRC, is available through Rockler. They are a lot closer to you than anyone else I know of. It runs about $21/gallon.

A burl buyer will probably jump at that burl if you can seal it properly. Make sure you cover any small cuts or dings. Personally I'd coat the whole thing.

If you plan on cutting burls, seal them and write the date on the end of each cut piece. And seal the entire piece. The rule of thumb is 1 year for every inch of thickness. Just sticker them in a cool or shaded place.

Good luck,

Gene