Description
Back in the 1800's the demand for large wooden bowls for making bread and for mixing and serving food kept many bowl mills in operation. The Great Alaskan Bowl Company is one of only a very few mills operating that use equipment designed from the machinery developed over a hundred years ago.
By cutting only 2-5 13" or larger trees per acre The Great Alaskan Bowl Company is a responsible steward of the forest. This process promotes a healthier forest by allowing some sunlight to reach the smaller developing trees. The freshly cut green logs (40-60% moisture content) are cut into lengths the width of the tree and split for turning. This process allows us to create up to 8 one-piece solid birch hardwood bowls ranging from 22 inches to 7 inches in diameter - all from a single split length.
After the bowls have been cut, they are sorted and stacked on carts for drying. The kiln drying process takes 4-6 days to complete and is the most critical step in the production process. Our progressive kiln monitors both the heat and moisture content and the bowls are removed when the moisture content reaches 6-10%. Because of our unique drying process we have less than 3% loss.
Each bowl is then individually sanded and branded before the finish is applied.
The bowls are dipped and coated with a unique blend of soybean oil, carotene, vitamin E and lemon that penetrates, conditions and seals the wood. This produces an all-natural finish ready for popcorn, salad, fruit and many other uses.
If you are coming to Fairbanks visit our showroom and see our bowl making process in person. We have demonstrations daily on the making of Birch Bowls. It is done behind glass windows right in the showroom.