Thanks for the comments folks. I am constantly in awe at what nature can produce. Often, looking at a piece of stock, I honestly do not feel worthy to try to make something from it. The 'burl' part of the cherry root is dry enough to cut some blanks from, so I'll snatch some from the shop vac. As for that, when I started turning last fall I researched a lot and saw that bowl turners store partially turned green blanks in containers of sawdust or lathe trimmings. So, I figured the closed environment, with lots of circulating air, of my large vac that is connected to the bandsaw and router table would work well. So far relatively fast drying with no cracks or checks.
Thanks again for the comments.
Fred, since our schedules aren't allowing us to get together soon, drop me your postal address, I'll send a few chunks and see what someone 'more worthy' can do with them. :>
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Ken