A wood bowl blank is rarely free of defects. There are many factors involved in the process from tree to table. It must be felled correctly to avoid shattering. It must not be infested by insects or rot. The blank needs to be selected from the most desirable sections of the tree, roughed out with chainsaw into suitable blanks weighing over 100 lbs. From this 'firewood round' comes 2 blanks 6 - 7" thick by ~16" square with bark attached. The ends are sealed and stored until they can be transported and rough turned. Rough turning and coring results in 3 bowl blanks approximately 1" thickness in various diameters. These blanks must now be carefully sealed and the drying process managed for at least a year or two before final turning can take place. Internal stresses within the wood can cause fractures and severe distortions during drying resulting in firewood. Small inclusions of bark and dirt, especially in burl, can be filled. I prefer a decorative stone inlay.