Other insights gathered from the event included:
- Rotate the log to get the best cross-grain or end-grain pattern.
- Cut the log in sections that are a few inches longer than the diameter. The extra few inches provides a buffer for removing cracked areas from the ends.
- When cutting near a limb, watch for an original bark inclusion that gets embedded behind the limb.
- In large branches, the pith might be off-centered due to reaction wood being under compression. Reaction wood has a different structure from normal wood which impacts the amount of shrinkage and turning characteristics.
- Logs can have two piths when trunks merge together.
- Spalting can create decorative patterns in the wood and appear as fine black lines.
- Irregular shaped logs and branches can produce interesting natural edge bowls.