Cutting up the ash tree

Back in October, I cut down a large ash tree as part of some local thinning work. Since then, I’ve been gradually processing the timber and now have a good selection of bowl blanks…

The tree measured about 2’ 6” diameter at the base, which enabled me to get some fairly decent sized chunks. I then worked along with my chainsaw, making sure to get a good variety of blanks – I try to avoid discarding the smaller pieces, which could be useful later on.

The top image shows the first few slabs I cut from the tree. These were then chainsawed into round blanks on site – the more mess I make outside, the less I need to sweep up!  In the photo below, most of the main trunk has gone. The piece marked up in the foreground, should make two large platters with rippled grain...

One of the larger chunks marked up, ready for cutting into slabs. The key is to avoid the heart, which is often full of cracks...

The first batch of blanks, ready for mounting on the lathe...

Here's some of the larger ones roughed out and drying. They should be ready in about eight months time...