Getting to the root of it

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Russknan

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We have a Honey Locust tree in the back yard that is inclined to throw off a lot of seedlings. A couple invaded the peony bed. Over a couple of years, I kept promising myself - and the Management - that I would cut them down. Remained on "the list" for some time. Finally, last summer, I did it. By then, they had established some significant roots. Decided to cut them out with pickaxe, shovel, brute force, etc. Lot of work! After they were out and I was thinking of an ice cold beer as a reward, I kept staring at those roots. Remembering some of the work done by my friend George (Robutacion), I decided to let them dry out to see how they would look on a pen. This is the first one I've turned. Although there is not a lot of root wood left, based on this one, I'm looking forward to doing more. The roots on the MAIN tree are looking more and more inviting . . . http://www.penturners.org/forum/images/smilies/rolleyes.gif
All comments are most welcome! Russ
 

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Janster

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.....how long did you wait before turning them? Did you micro wave dry em? The pen looks real nice and the F~N!F is great. Be well................Jan
 

Russknan

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Nanuet, NY
.....how long did you wait before turning them? Did you micro wave dry em? The pen looks real nice and the F~N!F is great. Be well................Jan

I waited about a year. I'd love to say that was careful planning, great knowledge of forestry products, daily weighing, etc. But, like so many things I do, procrastination was the biggest factor! The root piece on this one was just large enough to make the Gatsby, so I'm sure it was ready long before I turned it. I had another one with more dramatic figure, but had a catastrophic catch at a knot. Bad enough that I couldn't think of anything to save it which would still feature the blank enough.

Roots seem to offer a "surprise package" for the turner. You can't be sure of what you'll get when it's still "on the hoof". Think I'm going to keep a toolbox saw in my car just for targets of opportunity. Russ

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Russknan

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Nanuet, NY
Oh, and Jan and Mike,, thanks for the nice comments.
Toyotaman, I'd love to see how your pens turn out. Please post when you do them. Russ

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