Exactly what is "Burl"

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paulg

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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
 
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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.
 
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.
 
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
Click to expand...

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. [:)]
 
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".
 
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.
 
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]
 
Here is a big burl...Do a good turn daily!
Don


200514223046_bigburl3.jpg
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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
Click to expand...
 
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
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by Eaglesc
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I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(of course ugly is in the eye of the burlholder)
Click to expand...

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

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