Crotch in My Blank

[Joe O'Leary]

I just got a log of an unknown species (maple?) that has a branch or crotch in it.
As an inexperienced turner, what should I do here?
Photos attached. Thanks!

[Thomas Canfield]

Turn it with natural edge and the pith side on bottom to retain the crotch like grain pattern. If you turn with rim on side shown for a normal bowl, you will turn off all the crotch pattern. I am not sure that what you have is a real crotch but it will ppossibly have some interesting grain pattern. The section is longer than wide and will make a long oval bowl or shallow platter. Look forward to see post of what you turn.

[Joe O'Leary]

Just to be clear, the pics are two different halves of the same log. My main concern is safety, second creative possibilities.

[John Keeton]

I agree with Tom and think instead of a crotch what you have is actually an embedded branch that is not cellularly bonded to the wood. I suspect it will dislodge upon turning, at least partially, and that there will be minimal figure or interest from it. Were I turning these pieces I would remove the pith and branch. Otherwise, you stand a good chance they will crack.

[Joe O'Leary]

I agree with Tom and think instead of a crotch what you have is actually an embedded branch that is not cellularly bonded to the wood. I suspect it will dislodge upon turning, at least partially, and that there will be minimal figure or interest from it. Were I turning these pieces I would remove the pith and branch. Otherwise, you stand a good chance they will crack.

Thanks. That's what I'll do.