Christmas ornament

[pennview]

To minimize checking and splitting. you should saw the log in half lengthwise and then remove the pith. Also, seal the ends of the half logs with latex paint or wood glue and leave the bark on the log. Then you can set them aside in a cool, dry place for 8-10 months for something this size. Unless you remove the pith, you usually get some serious checking.

While this doesn't get you a very large chunk of wood to make an ornament, you could always joint the two pieces and then glue them together.

Art in Western Pennsylvania

[bettyt44720]

you could also use a couple inches of the trunk to make a "bandsaw" box as a keepsake. assuming you have a bandsaw.

[fiatben]

American Woodworker, Issue 35, Nov-Dec 1993 pps 70-72, is a good article on this. It is what got me started turning hollow balls. It's a nice design. I think you can see a PDF type version of this thru Amazon, or someone, as I ran across it awhile back while researching this very thing. If not, PM me and I'll copy and mail it to you.

[allsas]

Couldn't find the American Woodworker version, but did find the Ballcicle (http://aroundthewoods.com/projects/instruction/ballicicle/biornament01.html). Maybe make a pair to avoid the pith in the center. And its EERF.

[kalynzoo]

Met a craftsman many years ago who always inlayed a shiny new penny in his work. This established the year. Just a thought.