A branch projection declared more grain and color and decided me to put the top at this end as did the major split so as to make it a design feature.
Apple Wood Hollow Form: Advanced Woodturning Project - Page 2
The rather awkward piece of wood is prepared with a chain saw and then mounted on the wood lathe by means of a faceplate
Then, very roughly following the contours of the piece I sketched out a possible design on the face of the wood, leaving space for a faceplate on the bottom and depth for 1" screws.
Under the belief that the "saw is mightier than the lathe" I removed the branch projection from the side. This gives more balance to the piece, eliminates unecessary turning, and is faster overall.
Carefully I identify exactly how I would like the section oriented on the lathe,
and use the chainsaw to flatten an area parallel to the top and sufficiently flat to hold the face plate.
A 3" face plate is fastened on with 4 1" long #14 self tapping sheet metal screws and the piece is mounted to the lathe.