stupid question...

[spinks]

but isnt this (and his other listings) cut the wrong way (end grain) to be a decent bowl blank??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MONKEY-PU...UK_Crafts_Other_Crafts_EH&hash=item53f6a9ca90

 

[Frank S]

This is the correct way to cut monkey puzzle for a bowl,otherwise you lose the knots that are equidistant around the rim of the bowl and are the decorative feature of the piece.
F.

 

[spinks]

ahhhhh ok...thanks

 

[Frank S]

You`re welcome, and no question is ever stupid.
F.

 

[Goulss]

I would love a piece of monkey puzzle, I think it is fabulous. Great answer Frank.

And don't forget no question is ever stupid, though some answers certainly are!

 

[Frank S]

Yandles had a couple of pieces last year,but you needed a second mortgage to pay for a piece !!
F.

 

[duncanh]

I thought I was lucky I got some wet monkey puzzle last year. Got to say it's some of the most unpleasant wet timber that I've ever turned, and that's after you've got through the scaly spikes. The sap gummed up the tools within seconds and they needed sharpening regularly.
In the end I took it off the lathe and chainsawed off all the sap wood.

The tree was felled early summer when the sap was obviously rising. Maybe a winter felled one would be more pleasant.

 

[SVB]

Maybe a winter felled one would be more pleasant.

Nope !

 

[Vic Perrin]

Hi,
Not a stupid question at all. When I first seen a piece of monkey puzzle for sale I thought exactly the same that was until I saw a piece that had been turned.

I managed to get a couple of pieces at the right price and they made some spectacular bowls.

I brought a complete felled tree about 14 months ago and have about 20 or so pieces varying from 20" diam down.

They have been air drying since I got hold of them and I turned the first piece last week and I think that it looks stunning.

I de-barked all of the pieces and end sealed them so there has been no sign of shakes up to yet.