Ok turners, I got a log! Found it on the roadside in a stack of other logs from the same tree, it's about 12" diameter and 18" long, has the bark on as you can see, and it's wet! It weighs about 60 pounds or more, I think.

What would yall do with it first, to prep if for turning? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

BE FAST ABOUT IT~!!

 

 If it were me - - - I'd chuck it sideways  and not end to end.

Reason? The splits. those splits may not cause it fly apart if it's sideways but might it it's chucked with the C/L down the pith.

 

See those checks in the ends?   That's from it sitting around longer than a day after cutting.  The faster you  turn it the better.  If  you get to it right away and get it all thinned down to the thinnest wall thickness you can.  It prevents splitting but won't stop warping so you can get weird and interesting shapes when you think green wood and let it season afterward. 

What cliff said, but I would split it at the large crack- to make a "half log". Then layout a circle on the curved side. Cut the circle on the band saw. THEN put it on the lathe.

What cliff said, but I would split it at the large crack- to make a "half log". Then layout a circle on the curved side. Cut the circle on the band saw. THEN put it on the lathe.

Lew, that large crack on the side is only the bark.

John,

If you are considering a bowl (or similar shape) That would still be the way to go. Here's a link explaing how to get the bowl blanks from a log-

 

http://woodshopmike.com/making-bowl-blanks/

 

Another-

http://www.edwardssmithfinewoodworking.com/blog/2011/02/15/preparing-bowl-blanks-with-a-chainsaw/

 

Hope this helps

John,

If you are considering a bowl (or similar shape) That would still be the way to go. Here's a link explaing how to get the bowl blanks from a log-

 

http://woodshopmike.com/making-bowl-blanks/

 

Another-

http://www.edwardssmithfinewoodworking.com/blog/2011/02/15/preparing-bowl-blanks-with-a-chainsaw/

 

Hope this helps

It helps a lot! Thanks Lew.

When you get a bowl out of that log let us see it for sure

When you get a bowl out of that log let us see it for sure

Oh you bet Charles! I still need to invest in a chain saw though. So it may be awhile before I am able to turn some serious roadside finds.

I'm with Lew. Split it and then cut it out and turn a bowl. If not it will split at the pith.

I have never seen a log that I didn't want to make into a bowl. There is nothing more enjoyable to turn on a lathe. Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it.

I have never seen a log that I didn't want to make into a bowl. There is nothing more enjoyable to turn on a lathe. Good luck with whatever you decide to do with it.

Hey thanks Chris! I have it sitting in the shade right now, waiting to get a second hand chainsaw, hopefully I'll get to it before I checks all the way through. But I plan on sawing it in half length ways, as suggested above, and then cutting two blanks into circles at the bandsaw, then commence to turning! Thanks Chris

With that crack already there, you might be able to split it with a wedge.

You just gave me a great idea John I'm going to go buy a wedge from the Home Center that will get me through until a chainsaw comes my way!

That logs checked all the way through in multiple spots from end to end.

 

Not dried slowly.

 

The cracks on the outside are natural to the tree bark on that species but the checks are sure signs its dried too fast.

 

cut across it starting at ends to see if the checks end not too far in.

 

Good Luck!!

John, Home Depot has an electric chain saw for less than $50 USGD (US Georgia Dollars).  Bought one several years ago and love it.

I may have to check into one of those electric chain saws, people keep bringing me wood that is too big for the lathe or the bandsaw lol, and of course there is no way I am not accepting it

 

THis is a typical piece I get from people. It's actually cut in half from what it was and I had to do that with the only hand saw I had ( a miter saw LOL)

 

Yeh, Charles - I love mine - no gas to mix oil with, no pulling the cord a dozen times to get it started (maybe), works in both hot and cold weather - - - - of course, you can't take it out into the woods unless you have a generator with you - - - - Just put bar oil in the machine and there ya go.