Spalted She-Oak burl

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Dario

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Anyone saw some of these before? This is my first and it is an accidental find a few months ago.

I collected these from tree trimmings at Mission San Jose Church (remember my mulberry find?)...makes me wonder if the trees these came from were part of the original church landscaping. I almost passed up the piece since half was totally rotten...and the burl is not really noticeable...the only thing that got me thinking was the little irregularity of the bark. I learned later that the bark on the burl area is about an inch thick.

These are the best and I only have a few more off cuts. The other half of the burl is still intact but it is not spalted. These are plexi-acetone mix stabilized and sanded a bit and oiled.

The regular wood looks like lacewood or macadamia w/o the red color. The actual color has more yellow tint than the picture shows.

I think these will make some awesome pens :D

P1030599b.jpg
 
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I think you are absolutely right...they will make some very nice pens. Just goes to show you the saying is true... one man's trash is another's treasure. Hope that someday I have the ability to spot such finds.
 
WOW, is that my name I see on the one blank[:D] Very nice Dario, Now I am gonna get in a wreck driving cuz I will be checking out everyones wood piles as I go by.
 
Jim, I was told my annual gloat quota is exceeded. [:D]

Gerry, None to sell since (other than these) I only have a few cut offs and some with big voids. I might sell some of the remaining burl when I get to milling it (yes I am wood hog [8)]).

Ralph, It will come...just observe and you will learn how to spot them. Problem is, whenever I am driving by...the trees are "trembling" as LOML puts it LOL.

Janet, I will post some when I get to it. There are about 500 (very conservative estimate) other blanks in my private stash waiting in line. Not counting some boards I am saving for pen blanks too. [:I]

Nolan, PM sent.

Rudy, They grow everywhere. I've personally seen some in the Philippines, Guam, Hawaii, Texas, California, Florida, Bahamas, etc. I think you do too...just don't know that it is sheoak. It looks like a pine but the "needles" are segmented. Some use them as hedges too.

I would say I am very impressed with the plexi-acetone stabilization...I cannot even dent the funkiest part with my fingernail. I just soaked overnight and dried, no vacuum or pressure.

BTW, these are 1" x 1" x 5" and was cut that size allowing for warpage and bending (but didn't).
 
Originally posted by alamocdc
<br />Foul!!!! No fair, Dario! How can you even think of posting this kind of brag and not have any to share?[}:)][:D]
Click to expand...

He-he-he.

Guess I shouldn't post pics of the spalted mesquite burl and TX Mountain Laurel burl blanks I have [:D][}:)]

BTW, I loved the spalting on these so much I decided to spalt the good one too. It is in my spalt pile (bucket) and "cooking" now. Hope I can come close to what mother nature made. [;)]

Re: plexi acetone, I can't recall the mix....just keep adding plexi until the consistency is light syrup like. It does take a while for it to dissolve. Constant shaking of the jar/jug helps.
 
Congratulations, they are someting very special. I have never heard of our local Sheoak species in Western Australia (Allocasuarina fraseriana) forming burls. "Lace" Sheoak is as fancy as it gets, and the lace figure has nothing to do with burls.

You need to hurry up and get one turned into a pen for us to look at[:)]
 
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