cutting up blanks without a bandsaw?

[Luke Pighetti]

I want to start sourcing my own material for woodturning. My landlord has a huge pile of silver maple in the back yard but I have no way to cut it. Where's the first place to start? I'm not exactly made of money. He does have a chainsaw on hand, but I've never used on before. Just trying to get some ideas before I dive into this project.

Thanks
Luke

[Greg Just]

I would take advantage of the chain saw, but you must use caution ask they are very dangerous if used improperly. You should first cut the logs a little longer than the diameter and then seal them with woodsealer so they won't crack. Store them out of the sun. if you have never cut blanks before, I would suggest going over to the turners forum and search for threads on cutting up wood. I'm sure there is more info over there. Whatever you do, be careful with that chainsaw.

[Prashun Patel]

Get Bill Grumbine's video on Bowl turning. He shows you how to properly saw a log into a usable blank.

[Myk Rian]

Time to learn chain-sawin.