Spalted birch

[Rick P]

The first set of stabilized blanks from the haul of large birch stumps I got a while back. These were in really good shape to being with so I think the simple lacquer soak I did will have them turning well.

 

[toyotaman]

Rick, thats alot of nice looking blanks. What is the process for stabilizing the blanks?

 

[D.Oliver]

Rick that stash of blanks I have a feeling you're going to posting some pens that will top even the spalted cottonwood gent. Those look great. Nice score.

 

[Rick P]

Thanks Derek, I still have a lot of stump to process before it starts snowing so there is more to come.

Toyotaman, thin out regular lacquer by 25-40% with lacquer thinner for your solution. Put as many blanks in a sealed container as will fit and fill with solution. Let the blanks soak in the sealed container for a week, let them dry for a week and turn. It helps to shake the container daily and add more if needed. This method works great for woods that are in OK shape to begin with and I have had some luck getting burls to behave but if your wood is really gone I am afraid it doesn't help much. It also works better with porous dry woods like old birch and cottonwood.

 

[RustySplinters]

these look great. will you be selling some in the future?

 

[Rick P]

I only have a couple of weeks of weather warm enough to do them outside, if I can get enough to last me till next june I would like to sell a few. I will keep you posted.

 

[diverdad]

New guy question

Would it be helpful to pre-drill the blanks for quicker saturation?


Andy

 

[Justturnin]

That is some gourgeous wood my friend.

 

[jason_r]

I only have a couple of weeks of weather warm enough to do them outside, if I can get enough to last me till next june I would like to sell a few. I will keep you posted.

You just need to send them down here. It's only been 110+ for almost 2 weeks solid.