Free Burl, the big bowl, last chunk

Nice bowl! I always wanted to try turning a large piece. I was wondering how do you find burls in the woods. Is there something that stands out to identify them.

-- Flaws are only in the eye of the artisan!

To be honest, this one was found in my brother’s basement. His son had found it in the woods, and thought he might do something with it as artwork. Not sure what species it is, but I’m thinking cherry. This burl was completely wrapped around the 4” limb, and there was one spot where you could tell that the tree had been damaged at one time, and I suppose the burl was a result of it trying to repair itself.

I’ve also heard that some trees are more likely to have burls than others, but I wouldn’t begin to tell you I’m an expert in finding them. I will tell you though that as an amateur turner, getting my hands on it was an ultimate challenge. Deciding where to bandsaw it apart was a little scary because I didn’t want to ruin the potential of what might be inside. But at the end of the day, you just have to go for it.

I suppose if you know of any tree removal people, they might know when there going to come across a burled tree they’ve been asked to take down, and would most likely just give it to you.

-- Scott, Irmo SC

Finding burls is easy if your name is Oregon Burls, check his site here on LJs, but then he has put quite a
few dollars into his search and development of stock. Finding them out in the woods is a matter of luck
and a lot of walking, then you have to make sure that the burl is not on private land unless you have the
landowners permission. I have spent many days in the woods, and have not seen many burls, except for
root burls which involve dealing with rocks and dirt and not a little effort.

Scott, I really like that bowl you turned, but the bulk of my appreciation and envy is directed towards that
Nova Lathe. It is a beauty. Thank you for sharing.

-- As ever, Gus-the 74 yr young apprentice carpenter

Scott,
You have made a piece of wood look like a piece of Art!! It is Gorgeous!!

Thanks for sharing!!

-- Chuck Emery, Michigan,