Hard Maple Burl Bowls

[Rich Aldrich]

Our saw mill manager had two hard maple burls that grew on adjacent trees on the same stump. They were just fat spots that I wouldn't have considered burl. the bark was tight and in decent shape. The burls were solid. The following are finished bowls from the burls. I only got three bowls, should have had four but one half wasn't too oval shaped to make a bowl. All are finished with danish oil, buffed and waxed. Cracks were filled with epoxy glue and wood from the burls - turning shavings ground up.

I am a amazed how dark the wood is for hard maple.

The first is natural edge - 8" diameter and 2" high (First three pictures). The second bowl is 8" diameter x 1-1/2" high (4th thru 6th picture). The third bowl is 10" diameter x 2-1/2" high.(7th and 8th picture)

[Ted Prinz]

Wow, those are superior!

[Chris Gunsolley]

Stunning bowls, Rich! I agree with you, I am surprised by those deeper color variations in that maple burl. Love 'em!

[Leo Van Der Loo]

Very Nice Rich, those were right up in dangerous territory turning them it looks like, but the outcome is really rich 345699

[Thomas Heck]

Great looking bowls!

[Tom Albrecht]

Beautiful wood and beautiful work Rich. Are those growth rings in the first three photos?

[Rich Aldrich]

Thank you for the compliments. I was very surprised at how dark the wood is for hard maple.

Leo, I used epoxy glue to fill the cracks. I also like to use the guard until I do the finishing cuts. I think it helps, but I also try to stay out of the line of fire as much as possible, as well as wear a safety shield.

[Dok Yager]

Very Nice Rich! Those turned out Gorgeous! I like the use of epoxy to keep them safe and non-exploding. I have done that many times with Olive wood here that seems to always nave some nasty spots.

[john taliaferro]

I agree {verrrrry nice } and yes that is dangerous looking . BUT they came out this time ,sounds like you were as safe as possible .Watch for someone coming by to say hi or wife sneaking up with no helmet.

[Rich Aldrich]

John - good point about someone coming up to you while you are turning.