Ideas needed for this piece of wood

[scott ward]

This week I was given a bunch of maple burl to work with on my new lathe (if it ever comes in). In the pile there was a slice of a burl that was about 1-1/2” at its thickest point and about 10 x 14 inch. My friend said it was very old and had been laying around his grandfathers shed.

it was pretty flat on the slice side and the bark is still on. Last night I was trying to find some inspiration for it and sanded the face with 220 and sprayed some water on it and got this....


1B182982-0B99-4398-A795-EAE8BD4FE499.jpg

The figure looks looks like a photo of a 3 dimensional burl, but it is completely flat.

I am thinking that I put a nice finish on it, add some standoff’s to the back and mount it to the wall as a decorative art piece. But I welcome any and all suggestions.

also, I need suggestions on the finish to use. Oil finish?, poly?

Thanks in advance

Scott

[David Utterback]

That will make a nice display. The apparent 3D is striking.

[Al Launier]

Put legs on it & let it walk & scare people!

That is one unusual piece of wood - never saw anything like it. I'd think hard about what to do with it as you might never get another opportunity like that again. Good that you are asking knowledgeable woodworkers for their opinions.

[Mel Fulks]

No harm in displaying it on the wall. But guests will think it's your "abnormal cell" science project!" Each section has its own look, I would separate them and saw into thick veneer ...what we used to call "facings".

[Bill McNiel]

How about a wall hanging clock? no numbers, maybe inlay markers at the 4 quadrants?

[John K Jordan]

How about a wall hanging clock? no numbers, maybe inlay markers at the 4 quadrants?

I knew someone who made a clock with a burl like that by shaving off some of the top to make a slab. He eventually gave it to me and I cut the burl up into small pieces for ornaments and finger tops. Could make a fancy plate or platter, with or without a natural edge.

JKJ

[Tom Bender]

Put it on the back side of an aquarium. It won't be such a freak show there.

[John K Jordan]

Hey, one thing I do with small pieces of burl to small to turn, such as may be around the edges of this one, is make bases for ornament display. I drill some holes and push in wires cut from kitchen whisks and bent to make hooks (as per my good friend Jake N.) Might also make a good base lift some other turning off the table for display.

This one is not my favorite but it's the only one I have a photo of.

acrylic_ornaments_A_comp.jpg

JKJ

[Mason Hanson]

Hi Scott,
I agree with previous posts. I think a clock is a good idea.

[Bob Grier]

If it was mine I would consider one of the suggestions you came up with - art on the wall. I would finish it with mineral oil using wet sandpaper, drill a shallow hole in the back so it could be hung on the wall near my kitchen or dining table, and use it at times as a sort of trivet when something not very hot needed a place to sit on the dining table. I don't think standoffs are really necessary. Leave them off and don't drill a hole in it but instead place a couple small nails horizontally in the wall and set it on them as art work when it is not on the table. That way you could place it on the table or wall with either side showing, depending on .....

[Frederick Skelly]

I am thinking that I put a nice finish on it, add some standoff’s to the back and mount it to the wall as a decorative art piece.

I was going to suggest something similar, except I'd keep it on the coffee table. (I might also fill the crack with clear epoxy, more to stop further cracking than for looks.) It is truly a magnificent piece!

I'll defer to others on the best finish.

Fred