Michael Poorman
12-11-2013, 10:36 AM
Here is an abbreviated version of my process for making bowl blanks from a log. Maybe everyone already knows how to do this, but I had already created a similar post and thought I'd share it here also. Hope this helps!
First I cut a few inches off each end of the log to remove checking. Next cut off a section from the log that you will later split. I cut off an 18" section from this log.
276829
Now I cut the log length wise and remove the pith. Yes, it's easier to cut in this direction instead of having the log stand on end while you cut the end grain. Sometimes you can get this is just one cut, sometimes you can't. I usually leave the bark on, but it started falling off & the less bark you cut through, the longer your chain will last between sharpenings.
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From here, I head to the bandsaw and use a circle cutting jig. I find the center of the blank, drill a hole to match the index pin, and decide on a diameter.
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Don't forget to seal the blank if it will sit for any substantial period of time. Lots of people use anchor seal, but I've had good luck with exterior latex paint or straight paraffin wax.
If this isn't detailed enough just ask what you're unsure about.
First I cut a few inches off each end of the log to remove checking. Next cut off a section from the log that you will later split. I cut off an 18" section from this log.
276829
Now I cut the log length wise and remove the pith. Yes, it's easier to cut in this direction instead of having the log stand on end while you cut the end grain. Sometimes you can get this is just one cut, sometimes you can't. I usually leave the bark on, but it started falling off & the less bark you cut through, the longer your chain will last between sharpenings.
276830 276831
From here, I head to the bandsaw and use a circle cutting jig. I find the center of the blank, drill a hole to match the index pin, and decide on a diameter.
276832 276833
Don't forget to seal the blank if it will sit for any substantial period of time. Lots of people use anchor seal, but I've had good luck with exterior latex paint or straight paraffin wax.
If this isn't detailed enough just ask what you're unsure about.