Where can I get stumps for woodturning? This is a question that many people ask themselves when they start to research where they can buy logs. Unfortunately, there are not many places where you can purchase logs outside of the usual chain stores and lumberyards.
The best way to find tree stumps is to talk with someone who has connections in the logging industry. In this article, we are going to discuss where you can get stumps for woodturning.
Where Can I Get Stumps For Woodturning?
Logging companies will often sell logs where they are cut down. The problem with this is that the price for this type of log varies greatly. Depending on where you live and where your seller lives. Often, these types of logs cost more than $100 per section or piece as well as a hefty transport fee to get it from one part of the country to another.
Stumps are usually cheaper than logs and can often be found in your local area where you want to turn them.
Another way to find stumps is to talk with your neighbors or friends that may own a log cabin where they use stumps for firewood. This type of stump has already been dried out and should be ready to go as soon as you find it.
You can also find where to buy stumps online. Where you will be able to browse through many products and search for the one that meets your needs. Another option is Craigslist. Where people are often looking where they can sell logs in bulk so if you see something there, it might be a good idea to contact them.
How Much Is A Stump Of Wood?
The price of a stump will depend on where you are buying it from and where the seller lives. The price of a stump can range anywhere between $15 to over $100. This depends on where the log is being sold, how much wood there is actually in that area, and if there’s any demand for them at all.
Another thing that must be taken into consideration is where you are going to have the stump cut. If it’s being done by a logging company. They will often charge more for this type of service as well as transport costs. So keep that in mind when trying to find stumps for woodturning.
How Do I Prepare A Stump For Turning
There are a couple of things that must be considered before turning it on your lathe. First off, you want to make sure that the stump is completely dry and has no moisture left in them at all. This can mean a lengthy drying time but will ensure that your woodturning project finishes out just the way you want it.
Make sure that your stump is cut where there are no branches or roots left on them at all because these will be very difficult to turn and might even damage your equipment if you try.
You must also make sure it’s legal and you have the proper permits. Some states might not allow where you can buy log cabins or where logs were cut down, so make sure that this doesn’t affect your project before starting out.
How Long Does It Take For A Stump To Dry Out?
The time it takes for a stump to dry out completely will vary based on where the log is being stored, how much moisture remains in that area, and where you are located. The average amount of time for this type of process usually ranges between one month to over six months depending on these factors.
It’s important not to rush drying stumps as this can cause many issues with the quality of your final product.
The moisture must be removed from the log as well as any bugs, larvae, or other pests that might have been living inside of it.
If you have access to a kiln where you can dry out your stumps. This is where it will often take the least amount of time. This type of drying also does not put any stress on the wood or create cracks like natural air drying might do.
There are other ways to remove moisture from logs but all of them should be done slowly and carefully. As cracking can occur very easily which will ruin your project.
Examples Of Projects You Can Make From A Stump
There are many projects that you can make out of a stump. Some of the most common ones include:
- Wooden bowls
- Pen holders
- Wine bottle stoppers
- Candleholders
These are just a few of the many woodturning projects where stumps can be used. Stumps have been used for centuries by Native Americans. They would carve all sorts of different things out of them including tools and weapons.
Stumps have also been made into furniture where they were used for legs. Or turned into bowls where the insides would be used to hold salt or pepper. And even made into chess pieces where each piece was carved individually.
Nowadays you can use stumps in many different ways where turning them is just one of them. You might not want to turn your stump. But keep it intact which is where the various other things that can be done with them come into play.
The most important thing to keep in mind when looking where stumps for woodturning is where you will have it cut. And what type of drying method you want to use. This way your final project turns out just as good as you had envisioned from the beginning.
Read: 9 Unusual Wood Turning Projects That You Need to Try
Final Thoughts
The best way to find tree stumps is to talk with someone who has connections in the logging industry.
Hopefully, this article helped answer your questions about where to get stumps for woodturning on your lathe!