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Turning big stuff

2K views 17 replies 11 participants last post by  peruturner 
#1 ·
Getting ready

I was lucky enough to have access to a very large walnut tree that had blown over. The tree was over 200 years old and a little more than 6 feet across at the base. Tomorrow a friend and I plan to attack this project with a chain saw and start the process of getting ready to turn large pieces on the lathe. We will be using a lumberjack chain saw, two man cross cut saw and other tools to break the tree down into large pieces. I will use my tractor with front end loader to get the pieces onto a trailer and then get it hauled to the shop. A smaller chain saw will be used to block the trunk down into blanks that we can mount on the big Powermatic lathe. We will also be using an engine hoist to assist with lifting the large pieces onto the lathe. Our goal is to turn the largest platters possible. Since this is green turning we will turn each piece down part way, paint the end grain and place the pieces into the drying rack. In 3-6 months depending on how each piece dries we will remount the piece and finish turning it. If all goes well I will post pictures as we move along on this project. Very little of this tree will go to waste as the plan is to turn as many pieces as possible. Looking forward to giving all of you ongoing details.
 
#10 ·
getting it on the lathe

I must be crazy! Got all the walnut cut up with help from a couple of buddies and some big equipment. We managed to load it all up on my flatbed trailer. Had to use the tractor and front end loader to get it all into the barn to air dry. A friend stopped by and we took a chainsaw and grinder to one of the smaller pieces and cut out a bowl blank. This piece weighed almost 300 pounds and we had to wrap it with log chain and pick it up with an hoist to mount it on the lathe. There is a large face plate attached with stainless steel screws. All the turning will be on the outboard side. Will post photos as the project continues.

 
#11 ·
Turning a piece that size would definately intimidate me. Wow!!! That is huge. I just hope it does not come off the lathe. That definately would ruin your day. This is going to be interesting to follow this one.
 
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