Woodturning - Rough cutting burls and logs

[@billmaxwell640]

Great info. Now I know what tool I’m missing. My 14 inch electric and 18 inch gas chain saws clearly can’t cut it…..gotta get a 42 inch unit for my sequoia bowl blanks …lol. All joking aside, this video was hugely informative. I have access to a steady supply of burls, crotches and root balls but always agonize my initial blank rough cuts. Thanks for your perspective and experience.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

That’s great! Where do you live, I might need to make a road trip, lol. Thanks

[@PamelaRideout-r7l]

Hi Jim.. awesome name my dad is jim and he is an awesome carpenter...I love all your turns they are so beautiful and unique

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@jeffreyharrington5057]

Wow! Badass saw my friend I hope to own a 3120 xp some day

[@SpragueWoodturning]

It’s not something you want to carry around all day but it’s got power to spare. Thanks

[@defensorforge3239]

I love that the Canadian military teaches chainsaw safety. :) Thanks for your service and thanks for sharing this video.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

It was an honor to serve my country! Thanks for watching!

[@janwalters5563]

Thank you Jim, I am not a woodturner and I only discovered your channel a short while ago and have some of you later videos, I find all the information fascinating and will never look at trees in the same way again.😊

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Welcome aboard! Thank you very much!

[@rangolizard2006]

really interesting episode ,I have learned alot and am now following you on fb

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great! Thanks!

[@vinimarshall7301]

Nice to see wood chips coming from the saw instead of sawdust

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks

[@tomkendall8270]

Thank you for your time. Tom

[@SpragueWoodturning]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@vickiarrowood8905]

Have a good job 👌 work

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 😊

[@brianward8731]

Great video with lots of good information. You got my like and Subscribe.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great! Welcome aboard!

[@MichaelHerrick-qn6ld]

Looks like a lot of fun work but the awesome finished product to come from it

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@mcooper320]

I cut some cherry burls today and was fortunate to run across your video on how to process them. Luckily, I did not screw them up too bad when I was in the woods, Thanks for a great video.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@frankdufault7775]

Lots of work. Keep it up

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@freedomacreshomestead3723]

Great information

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@timbutler3733]

Very helpful, thanks

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeffreyharrington5057]

I carried a 100lb burl out the woods down and up a ravine about a quarter mile lol

[@SpragueWoodturning]

That’s dedication, lol. Thanks

[@captainimij]

What a stockpile.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks, lots of work tho.

[@bradarnholt9124]

I am starting to read the comments that are made and it seems to me that you are not only considered the professor by me, but by your fellow woodturners as well. Your videos are educational for all levels or turners. Keep up the good work.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome! Thanks again Brad!

[@MindPyrate]

Love this...very informative

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Some of the best info I have seen on cutting burls. Great video!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks Mike!

[@ИванКоксун]

Джим Вы молодец !!! что делитесь с нами вашим опытом . Я тоже занимаюсь тем же чем и Вы , но конечно не в таких масштабах но с такой же одержимостью как у Вас . и в этом Мы с вами схожи . Таких людей не так много и у Вас и у нас , но они есть , и это радует . Я 2 раза был в Америке , а в этом году хотел взять визу в Канаду , НО похоже моей мечте не суждено сбыться . Я на Вас подписан , и с удовольствием смотрю Ваши ролики ! Желаю удачи .

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks! What we do is very specific in the world!

[@alainnoel2198]

Hi, I am not a beginner anymore but I did learn a lot in cutting the wood to maximize the output. Thank you

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@JamesCouch777]

I have access to all the wood I could ever process but it is mostly oak that is dead and dry. Yours was about the best explanation I've seen.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@tailher1]

After burying my chain just above my left knee, I wear chaps tuning my saw up. Chaps should be a purchase before the saw.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Agreed! Hope you didn’t do too much damage, did it happen during limbing or cutting blanks. Most chainsaw accidents happen during limbing. Jim

[@tailher1]

@@SpragueWoodturning Oh no. I sawed my wrist while limbing. Earlier, I stopped the saw chain on my forearm. The leg tear happened during bucking on another occasion. Wife 86'd me from all saws for about ten years after that.🤣

[@RissaFirecat]

This is how you rough-cut the bowls? Love it!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks again!

[@magmar7118]

I just cut a dozen cherry burls, a maple burl, and a white oak burl. I have no idea what I’m doing so I took to KZbin to see what’s next as far as preparation. I’m sure glad that I found this video! While I’m also a beginner with epoxy, I don’t mind cracks that come from drying. Thank you for the info and I’ll save this video to rewatch later!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@Maisie9798]

This is one of the best videos I've ever seen, period. I learned so much and I appreciate even more how skilled you are! Thank you!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great, go another one coming up soon. Thanks

[@andreakernohan5299]

I enjoyed this video, like all you others but your superhero inspired Canada shirts were awesome! Thank you for showing your process and the safety measures, it's always good to be reminded of them.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I really liked that shit, I’ve grown out of it now, hahah. Thanks

[@billthomas6296]

Loved it!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you very much!

[@marycatherinelebouef-op4hf]

The work is tremendous; amazing how much work goes into one piece! Thank goodness you are knowledgeable and can make a masterpiece out of each piece of wood. Kudos to you!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you so much 😀

[@amandatallis9875]

This is very interesting and I really love the grain in the different pieces of wood

[@SpragueWoodturning]

The best thing about Woodturning is there will never be any two pieces the same. Thanks for watching!

[@mikebass823]

I'm still learning from your ruffing out vid's. I still have hopes of doing some turning when I retire. Lots of good stuff in these videos. Thanks ..😎👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thank you very much

[@weathormantom7206]

Beginner here. Thanks man. Very well done.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks Tom

[@scott27288]

The burl pattern on the 2nd side you showed @7:18 reminded me of a moose antlers and skull looking at it straight on. Nice video. See ya in the next one.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

It sure does, lol.

[@kenvasko2285]

Excellent info presented in plain language. Great video! Thanks.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@monopinion8799]

Thank you for your wonderful informative video. I have wood that’s been drying outdoor for five years now, and you gave me the right directions to cut the trees/lumber. Good work.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great! Thanks 🙏

[@cannonfodder3677]

Very thorough and informative. Thank you.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@trurex007lee7]

Excellent instructional video. You answer a viewer’s anticipated questions. Almost “like being there”, wish I was though.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Your too kind, thanks 🙏

[@Oldblue110]

Like your processing methods.👍

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏

[@LisaRamlow]

Thanks for this Jim, I have a cherry burl with the trunk still attached that I wasn’t sure how to cut in order to make the best use of it - I have a game plan now 😁

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great Lisa, thanks for watching!

[@defensorforge3239]

Also, thank you for this video as I just got a HUGE mulberry burl and really needed some ideas on how to cut it up with minimal waste.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great, glad to help. Thanks

[@mitchellmanning7887]

Best explanation of cutting blanks,, thanks for sharing,,🐝safe

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks Mitchell

[@leisongivangomo5656]

Jim, this was a great video! I learned a lot! I had to LOL when you brought out the big chain saw! “That’s the sound of power”😂 it did sound 😎

[@SpragueWoodturning]

It’s like cutting wood with moped 🏍, she’s a beast, lol. Thanks.

[@melissataylor5977]

I fell in love with burl when I purchased an antique dresser that inside the drawers they had Burl veneers gorgeous

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome, thanks 😊

[@GavinConwayWoodworkBBQ]

Hi - just found your channel - brilliant info.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome, thank you!

[@walonguy111]

Your videos are well done and your instruction is top notch. Nice job!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome thanks

[@changkim1961]

I love your video. Thank you

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏

[@bryanmccabe3632]

well done glad I found your show,BM,aka,woodbutcher

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏

[@patwheeler577]

Thanks for sharing, really appreciate the knowledge sharing! Cheers.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks for watching!

[@wakelywanderer12]

Lots of good stuff here. Looking forward to more of your videos. Subscribed.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome, thanks 🙏

[@pjseiber2774]

Great video, Great info, learned a lot. Thanks for all the help.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

No problem, thanks for watching!

[@gregwaters944]

Great information, just starting out with getting the trees and cutting my own blanks. Now I know what to look for and how it is done.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome, thanks. Always ware your shield!

[@gregsquared5865]

Great video. Very informative. Thanks for posting.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Great, thanks 🙏🏻

[@alohomewoodturningcarlos5267]

Beautiful burl wood.nice project.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@weathormantom7206]

LOVE that SHIRT!!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I thought it was pretty cool too, I got bleach on it, that’s why it turned into a work shirt 😭

[@hermit3400]

Great video! I learned a lot! Can you teach us more about what you paint on the logs to control the drying process. Also explain which surfaces to paint and why. I think it's great that a production turner is taking the time to teach us how it's done. You have earned a new subscriber!

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks Gerry. I like to use end grain sealer caller Anchorseal from UC Coatings to put on logs prior to cutting them into bowls, I just put on all of the ends of the logs. Once the bowl has been roughed out I completely cover the bowl in it as well. It does a good job slowing down the drying process, helping to prevent any checking or cracking. Safe turning!

[@bradleyheathhaysable]

At 17:27, what about the log shape determines if you can turn a natural edge bowl vs regular edge?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

If the log is symmetrical then that’s a good candidate for a natural edge bowl. If the outside is indented and such, then that good for a normal bowl. Jim.

[@jontoolman]

Great information! Thank you gor sharing.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏

[@hughj776]

With the strength of epoxy have you considered doing pieces that are centered on the pith? I know that is typically not the way bowl turning is done and you would get a lot of warping. But cracks in a starburst pattern from the centre (or alternately removing the pith and adding an epoxy core) might make a really interesting bowl. Or do you think the epoxy would not be strong enough to keep the bowl from warping?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

With epoxy leaving the pith incorporated in pieces is certainly doable and in a couple of hollow forms that’s exactly what I’ve done. Not totally sure if I’m a fan of it yet, lol. Thanks for watching

[@hughj776]

Excellent instruction. Appreciate the effort filming this and the advice. Does the way you prepare the blanks (specifically how you avoid cracks) change any if you are planning on using epoxy? Thanks again.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

My business has completely changed with epoxy. Now I want all the wood with lots of flaws in it where before I want logs and burls that were free of defects. Thanks for watching

[@jeaniedyer282]

Thank you. This was awesome. I learned a lot. I think I need to know where you are so I can bring my truck round and relieve you of a few of those blanks! LOL. You got a new subscriber 😆

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Jeanie Your welcome!

[@kennethnuttle7251]

Could you share information about your kiln. I have a small one, holds about twenty large size bowls, but would really like to see what you are doing. Enjoyed the video picked up a few things from it.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I use old upright freezers, drill holes on both sides top and bottom, install a light in the bottom for a heat source and small fan to move air. I start with a 40w incandescent light for two weeks, then 60w for two weeks and finish with 100w for two weeks. This will take a total of six weeks and things should be dried to 7%. I’m looking for a freezer now to do a video and post it here. Hope this helps.

[@johnarnet9052]

Just stumbled on your site. Learned a couple tricks in processing logs thanks.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏

[@johnmitchell1614]

Hi Jim. Do you get sap and , or resin gathering on the inside of the bandsaw blade. I mean the side of the band that runs on the wheels? Wet wood and all, if so, how do you remove the deposit? Best wishes.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I always use dust collection, If I don't then yes, I will get a buildup, Jim

[@joslynstuff]

Insane chainsaw skills.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Thanks 🙏

[@fierceflyer5]

Can you do a video on your drying kiln?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I’m working on getting a upright freezer. When I get it, I will do a step by step video on it.

[@tomkendall8270]

Hi. Do you end seal your bowl blanks and burls? Thanks. Tom

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Yes, inside and out with Anchorseal.

[@willtomorrow4654]

How do you set up your bandsaw? Mine doesnt cut circles well, I know I havent set it up correctly, it cuts square ok but still moves a bit to the rear bearing. Also. Where do you find so many burls?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

It’s probably your blade. There is a link in the description to the bandsaw blades. Three teeth per inch and a wide set. It leaves a rough cut but they are the best blades when cutting wet wood.

[@joeyali8219]

Random thought.. How comes tree cutters don't pull out the large roots too? I'd imagine a large tree would have a lot of large roots that's still wood?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I would think there’s a very small market for that kind of stuff, roots a usually full of rocks and dirt so that another problem. Root burls are very desirable, Jim.

[@deanweeks7956]

Thanks so much for the great information. I’m a beginner. So I am always looking for good information. I can already see my next purchase is a band saw. Thanks again. What was the product that u used to seal the wood while it dries?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

It’s a end grain sealer called Anchorseal. You can get it from UC Coating. Jim

[@russellmckay8896]

Do you use an actual ripping chain or do you reangle a crosscut chain? If you mentioned this in the video, I'm sorry, I have hearing issues

[@SpragueWoodturning]

No I just use a normal crosscut chain. It usually works just fine.

[@russellmckay8896]

@@SpragueWoodturning ok thanks, I'm about to start gathering materials to build a poor boys saw mill. I'd probably be better off paying someone to mill my lumber for me, but I'm hard headed.

[@blunderbuss9927]

Really enjoyed the tutorial style of this video. Thanks for plugging chainsaw safety classes as well - too many pick up these monster machines of destruction without someone to guide them. Luckily, I had a wonderful grandfather to teach me some 35 years ago when he decided I was old enough to be the firewood getter. How long do you let your fresh cuts sit before you put Anchorseal on them? I've been trying to get mine on as soon as I cut them - couple of hours at most. That usually means leaving them rough, then use the bandsaw just before putting them on the lathe. It seems that you rough cut one day, round them on the bandsaw the next and put plastic on them at some point thereafter, then Anchorseal after your first turning? Am I missing something? Thanks for any feedback. I haven't been turning all that long and have access to plenty of good green wood if I want it.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I can usually rough cut and round the blanks on the bandsaw in one day, remember I’m doing this in a production setting. If I went out and only cut 10 blanks, I could probably get it done in one day. I find there’s not any big rush to get the sealer on them until they are rough turned. The chainsaw is certainly one of the most dangerous tools that we use and demands to utmost respect! Safe turning. Jim

[@deanmiller294]

Could you do a video on your kiln drying? I end up with rough cut bowls that split too much or are so out of round they are unusable. Thanks enjoy how you take time to explain what you do and why. Thanks

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I will be covering a video on this in the future. I use upright freezers or fridges. I’m currently looking for a upright freezer that’s no good anymore, that way I can do a start to finish video. Stay tuned.

[@kennethnuttle7251]

Mine is made from 1” foam insulation taped together with aluminum heating tape with 100 watt light bulb small fan and a very small dehumidifier. I have had good success with bowls not cracking as I coat them with anchorseal. The dry to 8-10 percent moisture in 4-6 weeks

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Similar to my freezer kilns. I’ve also installed a dehumidifier port on my freezer to help remove the moisture quicker when humid.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I also plan on putting in a thermostat to keep things from getting too hot in the summer.

[@EarlReedphotos]

Is the mouse in the back ground your shop assistant

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Where did you see that? If your referring to the woman in the photo, that was my neighbor, lol. Thanks for watching

[@EarlReedphotos]

@@SpragueWoodturning I t was on Craigslist Eugene Oregon/ Tools/ Lathe, but it's gone now or they forgot to re-post

[@EarlReedphotos]

@@SpragueWoodturning Your friend might want to look on Craigslist tools/ lathe in all cities closer to you all of the time.

[@EarlReedphotos]

@@SpragueWoodturning while you were talking about your band saw a mouse run a cross the floor behind you

[@tweakerkid]

Great video, super interesting :)

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Awesome thank you 🙏

[@SpragueWoodturning]

I will be uploading a walnut processing video on Friday, including coring. Check it out!

[@thomasprusha7328]

Great info. Thanks for taking the time. What type of blade do you use on the bandsaw? I see blades specifically designed for woodturnerss cutting up green blanks and am wondering if they offer an advantage worth trying.

[@thomasprusha7328]

Sorry. Asked before I saw your the final minutes of your video.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

No problem, lol. Thanks 🙏.

[@siph2o]

I've purchased a gallon of Anchor Seal from what I thought was the Canadian site for them, but it turns out they priced their product in US dollars so I got stung for the exchange. The shipping was also a ridiculous amount that when added with the exchange more than doubled my cost.. I ended up $115 out of pocket for a gallon. Lee Valley carries an Log End Grain Sealer that's made in the US. I called to see if it's made by UC Coatings but they couldn't (or wouldn't) tell me. Have you used the Lee Valley product? It'll land at my door at around $60.00. I hate getting ripped off but will pay for a product that works. It seems the Anchor Seal is doing what it promises as I have logs treated and set aside with no visible checking so far but if I can get the same stuff from a Canadian suppler at 1/2 the price, I'm all in. .

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Ok, so back in July I payed $233 CDN for a 5 gallon bucket. I don’t know what to tell you, I was told by them that it would ship out of a warehouse in Brampton. I didn’t even think you could buy 1 gallon cans from them. I thought 5 gallon was the minimum you could get. With all that said, yes I’ve used the Lee Vally stuff and it acts and behaves like the UC coatings stuff and it probably is. That’s a lot of money for a gallon can, wow.

[@siph2o]

@@SpragueWoodturning Thanks for the quick reply and for the update! I'll be buying the Lee Valley stuff the next time. I didn't know UC had 5 gallon cans, but that would be way too much for my needs and they could probably bury me with 1/2 the can. FYI the stuff I did get from UC Coatings shipped out of Alliston Ontario, but it's just a trucking transfer station. King City Containers, 6711 13th line, Alliston Ontario.

[@salchiarelli8998]

Sprague Woodturning o

[@RayRay-qg1ds]

How does a guy sell his raw green,logs bark on red cherry multiple 30" burels sealed ends.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Where are you located?

[@OurDevotional-b9c]

Do you ever sale to individuals?

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Yes I due. You can contact me through my website. spraguewoodturning.ca

[@JLang-bn3hs]

I like crotches I cannot lie! 😄 I just Harvested a big post oak burl and can’t wait to cut into it.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Cool! Thanks

[@exotictones1054]

That's a saw my man.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Yup, it’s the biggest saw husqvarna makes.

[@mitchellgiebler3396]

so I'm having a hard time calling those burls, and rather want to call them canker's

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Cankers, burrs or burls, take your pick, lol.

[@FCWW87]

“Okay, let’s talk safety gear.” LETS NOT. If you own a chainsaw and you don’t know, then you have earned whatever comes.

[@SpragueWoodturning]

Everyone should know theses things but you just might be surprised!

[@topazsuperwashwash3718]

Can you send me some Peace of wood

[@SpragueWoodturning]

These pieces are all gone. Thanks