Exactly what is "Burl"

[paulg]

Hello all,

I am writing descriptions for the different materials used in my pen making and was wondering if any of you have a better definition of "Burl" than my local carpenter ("It's like a big knot")

Thanks

Paulg

 

[bnosie]

I always call it "those big ugly wart-like things on a tree." Probably not what you are looking for, huh? I'd actually like a good definition also.

 

[Fred in NC]

Paul, other than figuring it out from looking at a burl. . .

This is from the dictionary:

"A large rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree. "

"The wood cut from such an outgrowth, often used decoratively as a veneer. "

A burl has convoluted irregular grain tht runs in all directions.

Not much, but hope it helps.

 

[Mudder]

Originally posted by paulg
<br />
Hello all,

I am writing descriptions for the different materials used in my pen making and was wondering if any of you have a better definition of "Burl" than my local carpenter ("It's like a big knot")

Thanks

Paulg

Maybe these pages will help you. I have also heard burl refered to as burr.

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/_figure.htm#BURL

http://www.wsr3.com/trivia/wood_burl_images.html

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/_burls.htm

Hope this helps. []

 

[tipusnr]

I always think of it like "wood cancer" - wild uncontrolled growth that doesn't do anything for the tree.

Big difference is that there is a good use for this type of "cancer".

 

[vick]

I usually compare it to a scab on a tree. A rapid growth to protect the tree after disease or injury that cause beautiful irratic (spelled very badly) grain.

 

[C_Ludwigsen]

Big
Ugly
Round
Lump

 

[DCBluesman]

In Forestry terms, a burl is an excrescence or unusual outward growth. It is analogous to a wart on a person. Causes are many and varied, including healing over of an infected surface, protective covering of an opening caused by natural or man-made intrusion and others. While many wood sellers will try to convince the buying public that burls are rare, the fact is that they are very common, naturally occuring and often regenerate on a tree after a portion is removed. Also, the word burr is more commonly used by folks from the UK. [8D]

 

[Fred in NC]

Ah, those beautiful wart pens !

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by C_Ludwigsen
<br />Big
Ugly
Round
Lump

I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(of course ugly is in the eye of the burlholder)

 

[its_virgil]

Here is a big burl...Do a good turn daily!
Don

<br />

Originally posted by paulg
<br />
Hello all,

I am writing descriptions for the different materials used in my pen making and was wondering if any of you have a better definition of "Burl" than my local carpenter ("It's like a big knot")

Thanks

Paulg

 

[dougle40]

All the rest of those definitions are right and good - but - I still like Chuck's best !!![][]

 

[paulg]

Originally posted by bnosie
<br />I always call it "those big ugly wart-like things on a tree." Probably not what you are looking for, huh? I'd actually like a good definition also.

Actually I like that. Thanks

 

[paulg]

Originally posted by Fred in NC
<br />Paul, other than figuring it out from looking at a burl. . .

This is from the dictionary:

"A large rounded outgrowth on the trunk or branch of a tree. "

"The wood cut from such an outgrowth, often used decoratively as a veneer. "

A burl has convoluted irregular grain tht runs in all directions.

Not much, but hope it helps.

Along with the "Big Ugly Wart like thing" this should work fine.

TX

P

 

[Mudder]

Originally posted by C_Ludwigsen
<br />Big
Ugly
Round
Lump

yea,

But that could also describe a pimple on my butt! [}]

 

[BogBean]

spherical woody growths

 

[dougle40]

yea,

But that could also describe a pimple on my butt!

WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION !!!!!!![][][]

 

[C_Ludwigsen]

Originally posted by Eaglesc
<br />
I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(of course ugly is in the eye of the burlholder)

You got that right, Eagle. Ugly on the outside... BEAUTY on the inside...

I'm not gonna go near the pimple comment [:0][]

 

[Ken Massingale]

This may be common knowledge to you guys, but it was news to me.
Burls, while 'knot' very rare, are 'knot' on every tree.[] But, every tree has a root 'ball'. After rescuing a couple of loads of small logs on the way to the landfill last summer, I noticed some of them had the roots attached. (from a land clearing project)
A few weeks ago I cut into a cherry root ball and found the same beautiful circular multicolor grain that we see in burls. I have some cut into rough blanks drying, I'll see if any are dry enough to turn later today.
Anyhow, this is a good, more plentiful source of burl type grain.
ken

 

[fhinde]

Ken, just be careful with root-balls. They do occasionally have rocks embedded in them!