Matt Evans
10-30-2009, 8:01 PM
Is there a guide for Turners, specifically for processing lumber into blanks? I am looking for something that is concise, detailed, and doesn't have the preconception that the reader already knows what materials (wax, denatured alcohol, etc.) are used at any particular stage. The problem with a lot of books and articles on nearly every subject is that the author assumes that the reader will know the basics, or what the author thinks are the basics. Truth be told, most people starting out in a new hobby don't know the basics, or the terminology. Saying something about "DNA" to me means about the same as me saying "perique" to someone who doesn't smoke a pipe, or answering questions with "42" to people who aren't geeks.
I can take a log and turn it into flat boards. No real problem there, since the checking and splitting is minimal due to the relatively small thickness of the wood. Bowl blanks, or in my case, mallet blanks, are another story.
Here are some specific questions that I would love to see answered.
1. What is the optimum length of time to harvest the wood after the tree has been felled? As soon as you can? Weeks? Months? Is there a difference according to wood species?
2. Once you have the blank rough cut with a saw or whatever you use, what is the next step?
3. When can you FINALLY use your bowl blank?
I can take a log and turn it into flat boards. No real problem there, since the checking and splitting is minimal due to the relatively small thickness of the wood. Bowl blanks, or in my case, mallet blanks, are another story.
Here are some specific questions that I would love to see answered.
1. What is the optimum length of time to harvest the wood after the tree has been felled? As soon as you can? Weeks? Months? Is there a difference according to wood species?
2. Once you have the blank rough cut with a saw or whatever you use, what is the next step?
3. When can you FINALLY use your bowl blank?