Spalted Tamarind Mini--What happened to this wood?

[Tom McMillan]

I made a miniature vase of spalted Tamarind Wood shown below. I almost didn't complete it due to the dark areas in the wood, but I kind of like the natural wood and sometimes surprising enhancements. In the first photo I don't know how to explain the dark areas near the bottom (in the 2nd photo the dark streaks) in the wood?? Perhaps it's charred, or bark inclusion? Also, some of the wood had bug holes, so don't know if that could cause this?

Can anyone help me to explain the dark areas??

Thanks!!

 

[Dario]

Tom,

Some people who does induce "spalting" use woods with tannins and can stain like that. I've had some wood stain in different colors like black, greenish black, brown, purple, etc.

BTW, what minimum size do you use? Your turnings are very nice and I have been throwing nice pieces that might be of use to you.

 

[fiferb]

I'm thinking the piece of wood may have been near a knot and is naturally colored this way. Sometimes I find these dark streaks hidden a couple of inches inside the tree where an obvious knot may have been closer to the bark. Does that make sense?

 

[Ligget]

Whatever caused it made the vase that little bit more special, great turning Tom![]

 

[R2]

I thnk that is a wonder ful effort!![^] Wouldn't worry about what causes what. Just accept it and turn it into something special, as you have done.

 

[Tom McMillan]

Thanks guys!! I'll be listing it on EBAY, and like to give reasons if I can---I think it just kind of enhances the piece, and makes it a little more of a one of a kind.

Oh, Dario, I usually use a piece at least 1 1/2" in length. I can do a little shorter and for really nice remnants of wood I sometimes glue them to a waste block if they're less than an inch or so.

 

[Ligget]

Tom just list it as full of character that can only be produced by mother nature!

Then put the price up a few dollars!

 

[UKpenmaker]

Very nice work Tom, yet again[]
I think that the marks could have been caused by soem form of inclusion be it bark or near a knot hole. Bark inclusions can go a long way into some woods, i have come across some 12-15in inside the trunk.
I don't think it is any form of natural (water) staining, it looks a bit to strong for that, but i could be wrong.

As already siad no matter what it is, it sure makes a stunning vase.

 

[Kalai]

Hi Tom, there are 2 different typs of bug that like to get the Tamarind and when the eat the wood they will leave the waste product directly behind them and this looks like what it is to me, aloha.

Kalai

 

[VisExp]

Originally posted by Kalai

Hi Tom, there are 2 different typs of bug that like to get the Tamarind and when the eat the wood they will leave the waste product directly behind them and this looks like what it is to me, aloha.

Kalai

LOL. There's a great advertisment. A miniature "bug poop" vase!

Jokes aside, that's a very special vase!