DanielC Posted June 1, 2013 Share Posted June 1, 2013 I have been collecting burl as of late (Knife handle material). It's as addictive as finding good scrap metal at a scrap yard, except I get burl free! I am waiting for my order from TurnTex Woodworks to begin stabilizing various woods, so I will be ready in years time for these burls! While installing drainfields in over 300 houses in a ritzy neighborhood (Just started. On house #20 of ~350), I am collecting the various burls left behind by the graders that also log (The neighborhood is cut out of forest). Luckily I have known the owner of the grading company for a long time, as a family friend, so he is more than happy to set aside any tree or burl I deem my own. Sections of the forest have been logged in years past (Same height and girth pine trees in areas), and other sections are virgin forest with a variety of old trees. Luckily this means my odds of obtaining burl is high. I didn't ask for all he came across, otherwise my shop would be nothing but seasoning burl. The first set of pictures is a hickory burl. I don't see much of it. Unique none the less, as is the nature of burl. The white spots are wood glue (Tightbond III) filling in spots after a previous layer of wood glue dried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielC Posted June 1, 2013 Author Share Posted June 1, 2013 And now the monster Cherry Burl. Its going to be beautiful I think. Can't wait to obtain more (also snagged some cherry logs and another smaller burl). I also found a small maple burl. Will take pictures of it another time. All burls were glued up on the end grain after taking these pics. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanielC Posted June 6, 2013 Author Share Posted June 6, 2013 Snagged 3 more huge Cherry Burls today. I'm surprised more people do not hunt their own burls or at least talk and/or show off their scores considering how integral they are for beautiful knife handles. The whole making it all by your own means is kind of appealing as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mainely,Bob Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 You`ll want to be especially careful to completely seal all the end grain of those hardwood burls ( Emphasis on the cherry and pecan) or they will quickly begin to crack and the cracking will travel all the way through the burls making them only good for firewood. Wood turners ( I are one) know all about burls and how to dry them. Look for some help from your local WWers. I`m sure they will be more than happy to help you successfully convert these for a share of the haul. I know I would. You can also feel free to email me and I`ll be happy to share better than 20 years experience of dealing with these challenging sources of wonderful wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianinsa Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 Aw, Bob share the secret B) ! Ian(on e-mail if needs be?) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 seems like many people treat them rather than dry them these days, PEG IIRC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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