What is it??

[altaciii]

Ever since I started with this addiction, I have found myself scouring the countryside whenever and wherever I go in hopes of finding a natural burl on a tree, any tree. I don't know what this is, but I came across it on the golf course as we drove up to the 12 tee. This is the smallest of three growths coming out of the side of the oak tree about 12" up. One of the others is slightly larger but the big one is approx oval 14"X10" and at the center about 4" deep. All three have the same color on the top side but are basicly beige or off white underneath. The core seems to be woody and initially had the texture somewhat like a stiff sponge. I thought they be some sort of tree mushroom but as they have dryed the now are solid but very light. I have never seen anything like this growing on any tree in South Texas. The rest of my foursome thought I was out of my mind. I just thought that surely someone here would know what the hell I found and if I could make a pen out of it. Please respond with your best guesses. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dario]

I've seen a lot of this and you are right, it is fungus. You surely can stabilize that and try to turn but do take precautions. Some that I've seen have really nice coloration inside, others are plain beige to gray/black.

 

[ldb2000]

It's the deadly "Rigalian Oak tree fungus" . Within 15 days of touching it you will grow pointed ears and turn green ..... very early April fools day ? :biggrin:.... ok , I have no idea what it is but if Curtis can make a pen from cat sh@# anything is pen blank material :biggrin:

Actually it does look like some form of fungus , most likely one of the conk species .

 

[1080Wayne]

Alex
Conk fungus . I`ve turned the variety that grows on aspen poplar . Nice rich brown with fine grain structure . Saturate the inside of the hole with thin CA before gluing the tube in . Turnable without stabilization with very sharp tools , but would recommend frequent application of thin CA as you turn it down . If it blows out , is very easy to invisibly mend because of the fine grain . I usually chicken out about 1/16 before final diameter and go to 80 grit . Contrasts nicely with lighter materials . Wayne

 

[robutacion]

Ever since I started with this addiction, I have found myself scouring the countryside whenever and wherever I go in hopes of finding a natural burl on a tree, any tree. I don't know what this is, but I came across it on the golf course as we drove up to the 12 tee. This is the smallest of three growths coming out of the side of the oak tree about 12" up. One of the others is slightly larger but the big one is approx oval 14"X10" and at the center about 4" deep. All three have the same color on the top side but are basicly beige or off white underneath. The core seems to be woody and initially had the texture somewhat like a stiff sponge. I thought they be some sort of tree mushroom but as they have dryed the now are solid but very light. I have never seen anything like this growing on any tree in South Texas. The rest of my foursome thought I was out of my mind. I just thought that surely someone here would know what the hell I found and if I could make a pen out of it. Please respond with your best guesses. Thanks in advance.

Have a look at this site for your answer http://www.aie.org.uk/fungi_base/aie_fungi_index.html, it looks familiar to one the those shown...!
I've made a small...I don't really know what to call it, out of a Hoof fungus and I've another 3 smaller brothers/sisters, for one day...!
At that time, I didn't had much to do with casting, but I reckon if you could somehow use the external colours/texture to put into crystal clear resin, that would make a heck out of a blank/pen...!

If you are not familiar with the casting process, or don't have the facilities, I would contact one of the guys that make all those nice cast blanks, here in this forum, and ask if they are interested in doing something for you!:question:

If you have enough, you can always try to cut a pen blank size (or 2 half's) out of it and use timber hardener to start with, then plenty of CA to keep it together as you turn it.

Whatever you do, use some safety hands and nose protection, just in case...!

Good luck

Cheers
George

 

[Jgrden]

Let's cut it and see.