cutting this log for bowls

[James Biddle]

I picked up this ash from a friend today. This large piece is about 30" tall and 16" diameter at the base and is the crotch to 4 branches. How should I reduce this to bowl blanks for some interesting looks.

http://home.comcast.net/~jbiddle/pics/logs3.jpg

[Ben Gastfriend]

If you're thinking NE's, I'm the wrong guy. But if you're thinking regular bowls, here goes.

I'd split the log down the center, then cut each of the halves in half. You don't mention what your swing is, because you might have to cut the log into quarters if you have a smaller swing. Good luck! And post pictures when you're done.\!

[Russ Peters]

"If you're thinking NE's," missed the shorthand... NE's?

[Brian Poor]

NE = natural edge bowls; bowls with a (potential) bark rim.

Since it is tough to read grain in the bark of Ash, you'll need to take a peek inside with your saw.

Select the two branches with the widest diameter spread and make that your centerline to split the chunk lengthwise. In getting good blanks from the log, you will need to isolate the pith of the log - leaving that out of your eventual blanks. I'm positive that others will have a different take on this, but from a production turners point of view, the pith is where all the stress in the tree originates from. Your mileage may vary.

After the log is split, take a look at how the grain radiates and select out how you want to proceed from there. Depending on the size your lathe can swing, maybe leave one half larger and quarter the other side for smaller pieces, boxes, bowls what have you. Ash that hasn't burled is not known for a spectacular grain pattern in any event. It is a very tough, heavy wood - so proceed with caution if you are a newer woodturner.

Let us know what you find.

[James Biddle]

Thanks for the responses so far. More info.

The largest branches are at the top and on the right side of the log. The left and facing branches are about the same size as each other and slightly smaller than the top and right.

I'm not planning on any natural edge turnings.

I'll be turning them on my PM3520b.

I don't have a ton of turning experience.

[Brian Poor]

OK, it's not the last supper.
You've got plenty of machine to work with, so this is what you can do, if you like.
I have taken the liberty of making some tentative slices for you so you can visualize what can happen.
The blanks at the crotches will have the most figure, but also are at most risk for cracking as they dry.

Rough turn to 10% wall thickness, soak in DNA (denatured alcohol) for a day and enclose in a paper sack for three weeks. Rechuck, finish turn, oil, buff and photograph.

If you core the blanks, you could get another additional 4 or 5 pieces from the same log.
http://barefoot-photography.net/test/ashlog.jpg

[Allen Neighbors]

James, this 16" charger came from a piece of Ash Crotch. It wasn't just a "Y"... it had another limb or two coming off the crotch, also. The grain is spectacular. I had to fill a spot on the rim, with coffee and superglue. This tree was dead on the stump, and a guy just decided to cut it down and drag it into the alley. I found it. :D
I'd cut it like Brian said, with the diagrams on your photo. It'll make some awesome pieces.

[curtis rosche]

i would say cut it down the middle of every thing and then use the cut side as the bottom and then either made platters dishes or 1-2 lidded boxes when looking at cutting it try to think of how the grain would have to grow to get that shape then how to cut that out

[James Biddle]

Sun today! I got a chance to try out my new chainsaw on the logs. Here's how I cut them up;
http://home.comcast.net/~jbiddle/pics/logs5.jpg


http://home.comcast.net/~jbiddle/pics/logs4.jpg