Holy Vine Maple

[Doug509]

Been sitting on this Vine Maple stave for quite a while.  Decided to get after it.  71" OAL.  Bung hole in upper limb.  Wonky and highly reflexed.  Steam bent to align tips, then dry heat to reduce the reflex.  Just starting to behave so i can begin tillering.  Good times.

[Robert Pougnier]

Looking great so far! I've never tried vine maple but that one sure has some character.

[Pappy]

Looking good so far, holes I love but bug holes not so much, they can go in really strange places that you can't see. 
 Pappy

[bjrogg]

I would have to second pappy. I would be worried about the bug holes.

Shame it looked like you were getting that one under control

Bjrogg

[superdav95]

It will be interesting to see how this one comes together.  When you say bung hole do you mean that knot hole on the one limb? 

[Doug509]

I believe the hole is from an old dead limb that died & rotted out and the tree healed itself by growing around it.  Hopefully  i can safely tiller and it doesnt break. Here is the belly side of that holy maple.

[Pappy]

That looks like just a knot hole to me, knot holes grow around the hole so no ring violation , un like a worm hole. I would just clean out all the dead stuff and maybe soak it in some thin super glue, be careful when you clean it out to try an not violate the rings [rings are usually thin around the hole] and it will probably be fine. I always leave some extra wood around the hole to make up for what is gone in the middle.  ;)Good luck.
 Pappy

[bjrogg]

I agree. I think I was looking at bug hole on your bench maybe and not the knot in question.

I’d say it’s worth a try.

Good luck.

Bjrogg