First free wood, Apple and Plum

Hi Raftermonkey, here are 3 ways you might find fun as a new turner.

1. Just cut cut a section of log off and mount it in your lathe end to end. (End grain turning)

2. Cut a section off that is about as long as the log is wide, split in half and mount the inside (flat face) on a chuck, turn the bottom first, reverse chuck and hollow. (side grain turning)

3. Cut a section and leave the bark on. Make a flat in the middle on one side and mount (you will now have a log that looks like a propeller on your headstock. Turn the bottom, reverse and remount and hollow out, (side grain turning with a bark edge on the rim providing you don’t turn off the bark there).

-- Mike, American in Norway

Thanks stefang, I don’t have a lathe though. I’m sure I could still use these cutting techniques though.

Thanks,

-- -Zeke- "I hate to rush off, but I gotta go see a man about a log"

I like to use applewood to cook ribs, 250 indirect for 2 hours, then wrapped in foil for another 2, then 1 hour out of the foil does the trick nicely, I also like to include a steam bath of beer in the smoker to help the smoke stick. Havent tried plumb but I have used peach to do pork butts with good results. Oh, an you can also make stuff out of it too :)

-- Dave, Fargo ND "Bad spellers of the world, UNTIE!!"

Haha, thanks “Aluminum Chef” or is it Iron Chef, j/k spclPatrolGroup. This will be a nice alternative if I mess up.

-- -Zeke- "I hate to rush off, but I gotta go see a man about a log"

What times dinner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Monkey,

Congrats on the find! Just a quick tip for the Apple – the stuff moves a TON!!! I resawed some slabs from logs and they twist and cup like crazy. Just keep this in mind when you are cutting your blanks. Allow for more movement than other wood species. It’s great stuff however. I am sure you will enjoy the process.

Having a LJ cookout with special a guest chef, spclPatrolGroup, aka “The Aluminum Chef” on Juvembuary the 32nd, at his place, haha. See you there.

-- -Zeke- "I hate to rush off, but I gotta go see a man about a log"

Big 4th of july cookout, dinner around 8, the smokers will be running to full capacity, someone is also doing a whole hog. I have been thinking of buidling a hall bench\locker, and have been kicking around the idea of using rustic hickory, at least then I wouldnt care so much about screw ups, it just means some good BBQ (my other passion) is in my future.

-- Dave, Fargo ND "Bad spellers of the world, UNTIE!!"

I just scored some dead Apple wood today (trimmings) and will use it on the 4th also. Someday I hope to get a lathe. Until then I’ll use this apple to turn the chicken.

-- Ron, Twain Harte, Ca. Portable on site Sawmill Service http://westcoastlands.net/Sawmill.html http://westcoastlands.net/SawBucks2/phpBB3 http://www.portablesawmill.info

Thanks Mr. WWilson, I will definately keep that in mind while I’m cutting them.

Thanks,

-- -Zeke- "I hate to rush off, but I gotta go see a man about a log"

Hi Raftermonkey, You usually turn a bowl with the centers perpendicular to the grain, but if you don’t have a lathe and you intend to carve it, cut it the same way. When you slice the section out for the bowl, take a good look at the grain pattern so you can balance the grain around your center point. Use a straight edge and lay in on the log in a few places to see where you have about the same grain on each side of the center. After you cut it down with the bark on one side, draw a circle on it with a big dividers and bandsaw it to the circle line and start carving.

Goos luck!!

-- Jim Jakosh.....Practical Wood Products...........Learn something new every day!!

Thanks Jim. You always give good advice. I think everyone else on this thread is rootin for a screw up so we can have a BBQ. Just joking, haha.

-- -Zeke- "I hate to rush off, but I gotta go see a man about a log"

What do you seal the ends with?
thanks,
Jeremy

Jeremy, being new to this and unprepared, I just used a coupla coats of exterior latex paint that I had laying around. Maybe some of the more experienced LJs will shed a little light on this subject for us.

Thanks,

-- -Zeke- "I hate to rush off, but I gotta go see a man about a log"

Very nice! save your cut off’s of the apple. They are awsome to use in smoking briskets. I geuss the plum would be to. never tried it tho.

-- Rodd, Texas grandpa