Cutting up a burl

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
babyblues

babyblues

Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2007
Messages
658
Location
Portland, ME, USA.
I know this isn't a new question, but let me be more specific. How do you cut up the burl into managable pieces for a band saw? I thought to use a chain saw, but I'm not quite sure how best to secure it. I've been splitting most of the burls I've found in half and cutting them up for pens or whatever from there. I've been using a table saw, which is frustrating at times, but I'd like to get a band saw at some point. Most of the band saws that I would be able to afford only have a cutting height of about 6" or so. I realize there isn't a standard way to cut them up for blanks, but I'm looking for some advice about how to cut them into managable pieces.
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
I used a table saw until I got our bandsaw going. We have a huge bandsaw but it isn't hooked up right now. When I'm talking huge,I'm talking 10 foot tall with a 16 inch clearance and a 4 foot table. That's big. Too bad we don't have it going.:([xx(] I still use the sliding table saw but it's dangerous cause you have to flip the burl upside down to get all the way through. I advise you to cut them with a Stihl into managable pieces and then use a table saw or a bandsaw to cut them up into blanks.;)
 
Phil, that might not be a bad idea. :D

I guess what I'm asking is how do you physically divide the burl? Cut it in half than in quarters? Slab it vertically or horizontally? Cut all four sides off?
 
Jason,
I've only cut up a couple so I'm not the voice of experience here. Each one was different so I tried to figure how I would get the best yield. I was trying to get a bowl blank then pen blanks from the remainder. You are welcome to stop by and use the bandsaw anytime. It's not always easy to catch me as I travel a lot but am home usually 3 or 4 days a week.
 
Like LEAP said, try to figure out how to get the best yield from your block. If its pen blanks, I figure how long I want each blank and then slice off a side or end to make sure Im not cutting them too long and wasting any. Cross cut burl is still burl. When I get the block down to the length, I slice and then cube. Make sure you keep your edges for worthless wood casting. I use an electric chain saw in the shop to get them to fit the bandsaw then finish on the bandsaw. Good luck!
 
A friend with a portable mill cuts mine. I pay him $20 to $30 to cut a few large burls and saves me hours trying to do it myself. He cut them into 3/4" to 7/8" slabes. Then I cut them into long 3/4 X 3/4" pieces to dry.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom