Thread: Stub Tail Restoration Project

I cut the burl myself this time around. I "rented" a bandsaw from Home Depot. Now by "rented" I mean that I bought one, used it for a week, and took it back because I dont have the space to keep one permenantly. I recommend the same for anybody that is living in an apartment.

Curling will usually become noticable within 7-10 days depending on its environment. If you want to keep it from curling put the wood in a bucket of water until you are ready to harden it.

If the burl is whole, or if you are working with a large chunk of burl it curling wont happen, but checking might. If checking occurs you can cut through it and evalutate what you have after cutting to desired thickness, then soak in the hardener.

Example:

I cut this burl last month, approx. 9" L x 16" W x 7" Thick. It still looks the same as when I cut it and is far from cured/dried.

Today I will cut the wood into slabs that are about 3/16"- 1/4" thick x 9" L x 7" wide.

After cutting the slabs I will submerge them into the hardener for 2-3 days, then air dry for a week.
---If I leave the wood out and let it start to air dry it will curl.

Use slabs accordingly.

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The color of the burl I used here is its natural color enhanced by some light oiling, usually if I am looking to keep the wood "natural" then I use some good ole' Canola oil, submerged for a day (I love to dunk things). Air dry and then CA for a finish. This method may not be the most traditional, but the oil give a sheen to the burl which makes it look 3D and crystaline up close.

Again with the dirty jokes - My fiancee will yell up to me in the attic "What are you doing up there?"

The many answers include (but are not limited to):
Polishing my wood
Dipping my wood in something to make it harder
Playing with my log/wood
Soaking my wood in oil
and my favorite - My hands are full of wood right now, give me a few minutes to finish up.

She replied "My dad is here, should he come up and help you out so you can finish faster?" ---- I really do love her. lol