Dyed Elm Burls

[Bob Bergstrom]

These are both dried Elm burls but from different trees and probably different species. The bowl turned like concrete. Dulled Thompson gouges, and was not pleasant. It sanded like the concrete had some extra hardener in it. Finally I dyed it all black and the dye barely penetrated the surface. It laid on the surface and didn't get absorbed much. That was followed with red and then yellow. Similar problems. Bowl is about 13" across and 4" deep. The second is the last piece I found in the city wood dump. It was a stump measuring 30" across and about 3 ft high. It was about 85% burl wood. I've turned 6 or 7 bowls from it. It was much easier to turn and as can be seen took the dye very well. Dyed first with Behlen's Medium Walnut, and followed by a mixed dye of light brownish yellow. It measures about 13" across and 6" wide. All edges were painted with India ink. Both are finished with spray lacquer. Both are about 3?8" thick. Enjoyed all comments, critiques, and suggestions.

281824281825281826281827281828281829

[jwjerry w kowalski]

Man, those are beautiful, I love your edge treatment with the india ink, the wood in the platter is mind boggling. Wonderful craftmanship.

[charlie knighton]

very nice,Bob, looks thin

[Steve Schlumpf]

Beautiful work on both pieces Bob! Amazing wood and the color you added to each piece really brought out the most the wood had to offer! Thanks for sharing!

[Dick Mahany]

Simply gorgeous Bob. You sure found some beautiful wood, and at the dump no less! Anything that can dull Thompson gouges must have a wood hardness that's off the charts. The final finish looks fantastic.

[robert baccus]

All museum quality at least. Great wood and workmanship as well.

[Michelle Rich]

beautiful..I like the black edges too. great pieces

[Bill Hensley]

Great results, you nailed it on all points!

[Marc Himes]

Pretty wonderful stuff, Bob. I like them both a lot. The wood is fantastic and the coloring really brings out the figure. Well Done!

[Bob Bergstrom]

Thanks everyone for the kind words. It's not hard to make burls look good. Mother Nature sure gives us a helping hand.

[Lee Koepke]

I dont know....would WOW be a good enough compliment. I particularly like the 2nd one. Mother Nature may have had a helping hand, but you did a superb job of showing it off!

[Rob Boesem]

I have to echo the WOW sentiment!!!.....Stunning pieces!

[Jim Seyfried]

They are both beautiful and your finishing treatment really brings out the natural beauty. I especially like the black edge; my favorite is the second one. It is also my favorite kind of wood, free! Very nice job Bob.

[Richard Jones]

Woof!! Beautiful!!