Box Elder Burl

[Ray McGrath]

While cutting firewood last fall I noticed that quite a few Box Elder trees on my place had what I assume is burl, normally I don't bother cutting Box Elder for firewood.
Question is has anyone used Box Elder for woodworking? How would one go about harvesting the burl properly? see sample photos below.

Thanks,
Ray

[Jeff Willard]

Got lathe?

Wonderful stuff to turn-often has bright splashes of red in it. Coveted by those in the spinny world.

It's in the maple family-sometimes called "ash leaf maple". Never seen it marketed commercially, other than the burls. Lighter and softer than other maples. I think I'd avoid it for any application that requires much structural strength, but it may be nice for smaller projects.

As far as cutting those things, the only advice I can offer is to goop up all exposed surfaces really well with some sort of sealant to inhibit checking. You'll likely get as many opinions on how to slice a burl as there are members on this forum. How big are those suckers, anyhoo?

[Wayne Hendrix]

Got lathe?

Wonderful stuff to turn-often has bright splashes of red in it. Coveted by those in the spinny world.

It's in the maple family-sometimes called "ash leaf maple". Never seen it marketed commercially, other than the burls. Lighter and softer than other maples. I think I'd avoid it for any application that requires much structural strength, but it may be nice for smaller projects.

As far as cutting those things, the only advice I can offer is to goop up all exposed surfaces really well with some sort of sealant to inhibit checking. You'll likely get as many opinions on how to slice a burl as there are members on this forum. How big are those suckers, anyhoo?

Highly coveted by the spinny world. In the flat world I would think you could resaw it into some beautiful veneers. They would be small but would make some gorgeous boxes or accents on other small projects.

Edit: Just to clarify its the burl that is usually used and is popular. I don't know about the rest of the tree.

[Ray McGrath]

The diameter at the burl is 3+ feet, some of the knobs are the size of a basketball.
The wood of the box elder is very light when dry.
I've seen green wood sealer, however I can't remember exactly what it's called.
If anyone else has experience with harvesting and drying burls, please chime in.

Ray

[Mike Turner]

I use flamed box elder that I purchase from these guys. The red streaks actually come from a beetle similar to the ambrosia beetle I am told..Incredible looking wood !! Check this site out http://powdercreeksawmill.com/

[Jarrod McGehee]

You could always cut it and send it to me!;)