Mushroom forms ...Grain orientation?

[Dan Forman]

I made a few of these mushrooms for bottle stoppers and ornaments. It's dry spalted birch, with the grain running parallel to the axis. 2 1/4" x 1 3/4".
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/P1020172.jpg

If you were going to make some larger ones (up to 6" diameter stock) out of green wood, how would you orient the grain, as a spindle or bowl blank, and what would you do to prevent splitting? Warping would be ok, would even add a little character.

I've mostly been doing pens, so I have no real experience with green wood. Thanks for your suggestions.

Dan

[Dennis Ford]

They should work in spindle orientation IF the pith is NOT included.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Pretty mushroom Dan! Love the spalted wood!

I agree with Dennis - spindle orientation should work out well for this. I would think if the stem portion was slightly thinner it would have a good chance to warp while drying. Good luck with it!

[Bernie Weishapl]

That is one pretty mushroom. I agree with spindle orientation.

[Dan Forman]

Thanks for the comments, still wondering if I would I need to seal the end grain, or just leave it to dry naturally?

Dan

[Curt Fuller]

I'd just keep doing them like the one you've shown. That would make a nice looking bottle stopper.

[Tom Wilson66]

Dan, the ones I've done from green wood have all been spindle turned,and they have all split:eek: IMHO this adds to the appearance of the mushroom, makes it seem more "natural".

[Scott Lux]

Ditto what Tom said. Some (most) split and look very natural.

These are made from Bush Honeysuckle, a nuisance invasive species. At least I found a use for it. :D

Your mushroom is far too refined and nice. It's obvioulsy from a far better class of turner.