Cherry limbs

[Alzey]

My wife's uncle gave me 4 cherry limbs the other day. They are about 6 ft long and range from 3-6 in diameter and still have the bark on them. They have been in the racks of a tobacco barn for about 15 years.

I am planning to make some grinders with the limbs. Going to chuck them in between centers,lined up on the pith, and true up the logs. A 1 1/16 bit should remove all the pith.

Anything else I should be worried about?

Thanks
Alzey

 

[TellicoTurning]

Cherry, or at least the cherry I have, is bad to crack from the pith... but after 15 years, if it's going to crack, it already has.... and if not, then it's likely dry and stable....

I only do the crush/grind mills so I would still have a little of the pith in the top of the mill, unless you drill it out and plug the hole.... I would think you should be good to go.

 

[Alzey]

There is some cracking on the ends around the pith. Don't know how deep it goes. Getting ready to head to the shop and find out. Will cut the first 6 inch off to make pen blanks around the cracks and see what happens from there.

Like the idea of drilling out the pith on the top and using an inset. Maybe holly for a salt grinder and black walnut for a pepper grinder.

 

[Alzey]

Here is what it looks like. I cut 18 inch off the end of the limb to get to a straight section. Has about 4 smaller limbs coming out around it. Got it turned to shape and forgot to get a picture. Will add more tomorrow.

Enjoy your 4th of July.

 

[TellicoTurning]

That is some nice looking wood... the end view... but sure doesn't look like the cherry I have here... mine tends to be more red and without the rings... still should make some really nice looking pepper mills... looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[Falcon1220]

[quote=Alzey;1554986 They have been in the racks of a tobacco barn for about 15 years.

Whatch out for second hand smoke:biggrin::biggrin:

 

[micharms]

From the cross section and its colour I would have guessed more like sumac. Even the view of the outside looks more like the sumac I turn. Anyway good luck with the mills. They are a great project.

Michael

 

[Alzey]

Here is a preview. Part way through applying the finish.