Storing a Cherry Burl

[Flute Maker]

I have two pretty large cherry burls. They are very heavy. A friend got them for me. They are just sitting in a wheelbarrow covered with a tarp. Ill remove the black bark when I can.I’ll turn them when I get time.
Is there anything else I need to do?

Thanks for your help

 

[JRedding]

Depending on how long you think it will be, submerge in a barrel of water.

 

[wndopdlr]

I have only turned a couple, so I am no expert. Mine were loaded with black carpenter ants, so I halved them down the pith, similar to any log, then put them in HD plastic bags and set off bug bombs in the bag about three different times. Didn't help. When I mounted them in the lathe and spun it up, I was covered in black ants and they were everywhere. Gross! The burls, however dried beautifully and were well received by those that bought them.

 

[Dee2]

I usually don't do anything with burls but keep them out of the rain and sun. I've kept them many months until I was ready to turn. Have a hickory burl waiting for processing right now about 30" dia. I've had it 3 months or so. I've kept large, 30+" cherry burls (much) longer before processing. I've never removed bark before turning. YMMV!

 

[SabertoothBunny]

Store them in a dry location away from the elements. Ants seem to like cherry burl and can create nests in them so just be aware of that variable when you go to process them.

 

[Flute Maker]

I have two pretty large cherry burls. They are very heavy. A friend got them for me. They are just sitting in a wheelbarrow covered with a tarp. Ill remove the black bark when I can.I’ll turn them when I get time.
Is there anything else I need to do?

Thanks for your help

I have gotten most of black bark from both burls and sanded and rough shaped both with a 4” grinder with disc for removing wood and a big chisel and mallet ..I hope to turn both soon time permitting. I’ve been putting a little water on them trying to avoid any cracking and splitting and covering them with an old canvas tarp. I’ve covered the end grain with anchor seal to avoid cracking.
I want to turn them soon but both will take some time.
Any suggestions are surely appreciated!
Thanks in advance!.
Both burls are heavy and bigger than any I’ve turned in the past (Cherry I think)
In the past I’ve put them in my Jet 1642 lathe and turned them. Too big to do that on these. Both are 100 lbs or more. I’m going slow with these when I do start turning. Again thanks !!!!
I’m being real careful when I do start the turning!

 

[Flute Maker]

Depending on how long you think it will be, submerge in a barrel of water.

I removed the bark, maybe I shouldn’t have? Should I coat the burl with something? I have a little anchor seal and don’t really want to buy more!

Maybe a spray of water on them until I can get to turn them? And cover them to hold some moisture in them for right now?

 

[SabertoothBunny]

I removed the bark, maybe I shouldn’t have? Should I coat the burl with something? I have a little anchor seal and don’t really want to buy more!

Maybe a spray of water on them until I can get to turn them? And cover them to hold some moisture in them for right now?

Burls are often unpredictable as to how they will move because burls just have the uneven and random grains. Removing the bark isn't an issue and shouldn't be a real factor in any kind of checking or cracking.

Honestly, if you just want them to dry for future use I would seal the ends with Anchor Seal 2 (which you did) and stick them in a corner somewhere where they can fully dry. You can process the pieces down into smaller and more manageable pieces so they are smaller so the drying goes faster. Just don't make them to small so if they warp or check if won't affect the final dimensions you want. Once dry have at it and enjoy. If you prefer them turned green, process pieces to more workable sizes and have at it then seal the end grain at least when done turning if it will be returned later.