Stabilizing Chittum Burl

[Robert Sherlock]

Hello,

I have about 10 pieces of Chittum Burl and I am interested in hearing opinions on stabilizing them. In the past, I have bought from members that (I am pretty sure) had it stabilized and it turned very nicely.

My question...what are my options? Are there members here who you would recommend and/or do the stabilizing for me (with Cactus Juice or ?), what about sending it out to a business, other suggestions?

As many know, these are some top pieces of timber and I want to do what's best for them

Thank you for any help,
Robert

 

[Charlie_W]

Robert,

I have no experience with the chittum Burl but I do have a pen turning friend in Maryland who stabilizes and is also casting resin/Burl cap blanks.
He has been selling blanks at our club meetings and has stabilized antler blanks as well.
I don't know if he is a member here or not. If you don't find someone closer, I can give you his contact info.

 

[steve worcester]

the make vs buy conundrum. Chittum is pretty hard to get so it might be worthwhile to get a toaster over and vacuum setup to stabilize.
But, it depends on how close to final size they are and how dry.