When a hemlock fell on our property a month or two ago, I didn't think I would be interested in turning it. I took my chainsaw down into the ravine, to get the tree trunk (18" diameter) out of the way of a path down to the creek. Pushed it out of the way of the path, and left.

Then I searched "hemlock" on this forum, and saw some things that looked nice. So I went back down and cut off a couple of 18" segments of the trunk, and then ripped them into half-rounds. I applied sealant to the end-grain.

Today I cored out 3 bowls from one of the half-rounds. (Woodcut Bowl-Saver Max 3.) The rough-turned bowls show some promise, I think.

Screenshot 2020-02-13 at 7.31.03 PM.jpg

Screenshot 2020-02-13 at 7.30.04 PM.jpg

So here's my question: should I bag-and-slow-dry the rough-turned bowls, getting back to them in a few months for final turning, or should I just go ahead and turn them to final shape now? Haven't ever turned hemlock, so I don't know which will be best. Your opinions appreciated. Thanks!

Robert