advice on a burl (pics)

[moosehunter]

 I found this on my in-laws land.
http://www.forestryforum.com/board/index.php?topic=23661.0
a link to the job.

This burl has a few dead spots, you may be able to se them in the pics. What should I do with it? Is it worth saving? I don't have much in the way of tools other than my mill so all I can do with it is slice it open.
Any suggestions are welcome.
Dad says " cut it down".
I would hate to waste it if something can be done with it.

 I can't find the photos. Be right back.

[moosehunter]

I really hate my wife's computor and dial-up.
Any way, here it is,

[Furby]

What kind of tree is it?

[low_48]

That would be a tough burl to do anything with, except win a contest for best impression for something that needs Preperation H.     Anyway, with all those deep profiles around it all the cuttings would be small. Might make some good pen blanks, but usually small eye type burls are the best for that. Kinda cool though. I wondered about it being elm with all that discoloration below the wound, but can't say for sure.

[Dana]

Looks like maple to me.

[moosehunter]

It is a maple tree.

I didn't measure with a ruler but it is about 30' tall and about the same in diameter. There is a nice saw log above it and good fire wood above that for the in-laws, so I will be cutting it down.

[JimBuis]

I tell you what, I'd be real proud to try making some pen blanks out of that beautiful I mean ugly burl.   Just mail that thing to me in Tokyo and I can let you know how it all 'turns' out.

Jim

[moosehunter]

I doubt customs would let something that ugly in

[metalspinner]

I would cut it into 3" and 4" slabs with the face of pic no2 facing straight up.  That will give you one cap, then slabs with natural live edges alll the way around that would be really cool table tops or turned bowls.  Leaving the log attatched will makethings easier to handle on the mill.  If you want smaller things, then it doesn't really matter the orientation on the mill.

[WkndCutter]

I agree with Metalspinner.  Give yourself enough log to get the burl on your saw and cut 3" and 4" slabs.  Table tops and turning blanks.

[Tom]

I think that burl should go directly to a turner who can deside how to dismantle it.  Sawing straight through may just produce a lot of trash.  Some turners can get acceptable turning stock by dividing a piece with reciprocating saws, shop bandsaws or even an axe.