Burl

[Papo]

Since I'm new at penturning and wood recognition...Can anyone help me in how to spot burl?What do I look for when out hunting for wood.Also how do I know what kind of wood it is.I know that this takes time and experience but can someone lead me in the right direction....I would like to find and cut my own turning blanks.

Thank you

 

[PenMan1]

Hector:
Around here, we look for trees that look they are about to die. The ones with big "balls" or big round knots near the base of the trunk (often these knots may be under the dirt) have beautiful designs in the wood.

In your area, I would pay particular attention to the old live oaks and cypress trees. They are plentiful and the burls from these trees are spectular.

 

[Crickett]

Attached are a couple pictures of a burl on a tree I saw when out walking in a local park.

 

[maxman400]

This is a couple of shots of a Mesquite burl that I found, it was formed due to mistletoe attacking the tree. In the second photo the bowl came from the area out lined in red. GOOD LUCK with your hunting.

 

[Lulanrt]

I asked this same question about 8 years ago and it took me that long to figure it out. I started here "Understanding wood": a craftsman's guide to wood technology [Book] by R. Bruce Hoadley. A good place to get a visual of what burls, curl, figured, crotch, splat etc. look like on the inside and out is a wood company buy the name of Talarico Hardwood never bought anything just look at their site. I know this sounds wired but on the company's website there is a place called wood porn http://www.talaricohardwoods.com/woodporn.htm. Here you can get a good look at the bark and how it is a visual indicator of what is inside. Learning to read the bark is key but not always a tell all. Also I have cut what looked like textbook burls form the outside and discovered when I got them home and sliced them up that they were not much at all. So just get out there and start cutting up wood start at your local wood dump or a place that cuts firewood. I have found wonderful oak burl in my firewood pile. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[ThomJ]

Someone told me to look for a big zit on the tree

 

[Papo]

Thak you for your opinions

Be Bless

 

[SDB777]

Attached are a couple pictures of a burl on a tree I saw when out walking in a local park.

Too bad you couldn't carry a chainsaw out there and save that tree? At least that is what you should tell the officers while your trimming that thing off!


Scott (mostly oak burls here....full of holes too) B

 

[penhead]

I would suggest searching out a local woodturning and/or woodworking club...usually there are at least a few people who have been working with wood for decades and can help you...IMHO, having someone local that you can talk to is a great benefit....