Oak Burl Vessel

[Allen stagg]

I received a burl as shown in photo from some friends on another forum. It was about a 3" oak limb with a burl that grew completely around it. It ended up about 14" diameter and 20" long. I turned shape as shown in photo and then taped it up to keep from coming apart, knowing that it was going to have a lot of voids in it and expecially with a couple of burl knots that I hoped would stay together and it did, but barely as it have very little wood holding it together and can feel it move. I haven't put a finish on it yet and want to let it dry out a little more and climatize before putting a finish to it as it was a little green, but close to dry, so shouldn't take long to dry the rest of the way. Anyway, here it is. This is my first post and first vessel I have made in a good while or since last spring. Summer has been quite hot here in Southeast Texas and been too busy to get out and turn much or even feel like getting out and turning. We have had the hottest summer on record and are still in record drought. Anyway, enjoy.

[Don Alexander]

absolutely AWESOME wood and you re making agreat looking vessel out of it

[Marty Eargle]

Yikes! That's one gnarly chunk of beautiful. I can only imagine it's going through your tools like a champ.

Look forward to seeing the finished product when you get a few cool days.

[Allen stagg]

Here are the rest of photos.

[Tony De Masi]

That was a pretty daunting task you took on Allen but it sure looks like you knew how to handle this. And I also like the use of the tape too. It's actually something that fits in quite well with the various recent posts about saftey. Really looking forward to you posting the final product.

[David E Keller]

I hate turning oak, but I think I could make an exception for something like this... Wow! What a gorgeous piece of wood! Looks like you did a great job with it, and I hope you'll post some more photos when you get it finished up!

[Allen stagg]

That was a pretty daunting task you took on Allen but it sure looks like you knew how to handle this. And I also like the use of the tape too. It's actually something that fits in quite well with the various recent posts about saftey. Really looking forward to you posting the final product.

It has so many voids and hollow areas, the tape was to help hold some of those small pieces together and not fall out. Expecially those two knots in the latter photos that are barely hanging together. The tape worked well.

And agree, I hate oak also normally, but coudn't resist this burl.

[Bernie Weishapl]

That is going to be a beauty when you get the finish on it. I turned some oak burl and I used duct tape on it to keep it together.

[charlie knighton]

Allen, nice oak, love your form, good idea on the tape, that stuff is just the right price compared to......

[David DeCristoforo]

Great job so far. That burl looks like one gnarly chunk of wood! She's a beaut!

[Michelle Rich]

can't wait to see it finished

[Russell Eaton]

Allen that is going to be one very sweet piece when you get it finished. +1 for showing the after finish pictures.

[Allen stagg]

I promise to show the after finish. Will likeky be a few weeks from now though to insure it s ready and to do the finish itself.

[John Keeton]

Allen, lots of wood missing on that one!! Great job on taping and holding it together, and a neat looking finished piece. The finish will really bring it to life.

[Tim Rinehart]

Definitely looking forward to completed piece. Thanks for posting the progress!

[Steve Schlumpf]

I'm liking it so far!! Looking forward to seeing it once finished!!

[Allen stagg]

Finished Product. Satin Lacquer finish. This piece measures aproximately 13" tall and 10 inch diameter. This piece is pure Burl. Finished quite nice and is quickly becoming on of my favorites.

[Jon Prouty]

Great piece! Love it. JP

[Joe Watson]

wow, that had to be a daunting task from start to finish.
Thanks for sharing.

[Ed Morgano]

That is simply beautiful. You could have picked something easier to warm up on after not turning for a while. :D

[Baxter Smith]

That looks pretty ancient. Pretty great too! Well done from start to finish!

[Kathy Marshall]

Looks great Allen! Great job keeping it together!

[Rich Aldrich]

Real nice peice of wood. I like the form. What do you put under the masking tape when you wrap the wood for turning the inside?

[Allen stagg]

Real nice peice of wood. I like the form. What do you put under the masking tape when you wrap the wood for turning the inside?I put duct tape first, but the laser didn't show up well on that, so I just covered it with masking tape. However, I have used just masking tape before and holds well enough for it to stay together. Just need to go slow is the main ingredient as well as a sharp tool and as fast as you can get away with on lathe speed.

[Josh Bowman]

gnarly dude! http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/41577_300815651251_376339_n.jpgThat's right down my alley. I like the voids and inclusions.

[allen thunem]

fabulous piece imho i liked the look of it right off the lathe without the lacquer

[Allen stagg]

fabulous piece imho i liked the look of it right off the lathe without the lacquerIt turned out darker than I would have liked myself. However, no stain was used, just finish.

[David DeCristoforo]

It looks like there is another case of the rare Kelleritis down there in Texas. Nice job on this. You certainly got the max out of that burl.