Western Juniper Bowl Blank JS396
4.2" x 7" x 7.5"
2.9 lbs.
This is a high-quality, bark-on half-log bowl blank of Western Juniper. Juniper is prized by turners for its distinctive aroma, and for the contrast between its creamy sapwood and warm reddish heartwood, which often shows up as swirls, color streaks, and lively natural character. The bark on the backside of this blank is fairly tight and well attached and is 90% complete, so you have the option of turning a conventional bowl or a “barky” natural-edge bowl with the bark intact on the rim.
If you want to keep the bark, I always recommend securing it with thin CA glue before turning, and possibly again during turning, to keep it locked down as you work. This is a classic half-log blank, split through the center of the log. There are a few open cracks as shown in the photos (see close-ups. These appear to be shallow ones that will turn off in the wastage. For any persistang small cracks, I recommend reinforcing them with CA glue during turning.
This blank is fully air-dried and sealed with wax on the end grain to slow moisture loss and prevent checking.