Field Maple Burr - a first for me

[Dave Wraight]

This is the first time I have turned an awkward burr - lots of fresh air turning.

[BrianH]

Good one for your first go Dave.
The balance of this kind of piece is, in my experience, often made or ruined at the very outset. As you probably found there is a bit of crystal-ball gazing required as you mount the odd shaped log for the first time. Did you start between centres so that each could be moved, independently, to bring the rim into some sort of balance before a more permanent mounting was decided on?
I ruined many an interesting log before realising my rookie error!
All the best
Brian

[Dave Wraight]

Took me 3 weeks before I made a cut on the original whole burr, sawing into 2, a large and small piece, before I set it between centres until I had it balanced. The second piece was smaller but took even more thought.

[BrianH]

You're a better man than I Gunga.....
It took me far too many less-than-successful attempts before I realised that an ounce of forethought trumps a bucket of impatience every time.
Perhaps if the wood  hadnt been freebie might have sharpened my brainwaves!
Brian