Getting ready for next year

Now that the Christmas rush is over, I’ll be rough turning all the timber which has mounted up over the last few months - a rather daunting task! I was hoping to get some turned recently, but have been far too busy with orders. As fresh wood comes in, the pile just gets bigger – maybe I need an apprentice?!

This Christmas has been fantastic, but that has left me a little worried about my stock levels. There are large spaces in the drying shed where my yew and elm blanks are stored and they will need to be filled. However, I’ve just collected a load of burr sycamore from a fallen tree and this is quick to dry. It is also beautifully coloured and full of interesting features – something I’ve not had much of until now.

The photos below show just how interesting this sycamore is. The lumps with the bark still attached will be ideal for natural edge pieces and I’ll certainly be able to make something special from the gnarly burr, seen to the right of the picture…

I’m still on the lookout for natural edge burr elm, which has disappeared from my stores completely. Sourcing this will have to be my quest for the New Year and I’ll certainly keep you updated when the next tree arrives.