what do i do with this Burl

Burl Source said:
EvilMike,
I have never worked with hornbeam so anything I say would just be a guess. I sent you an email with a couple ideas.
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How about sharing your ideas here? The forum is a public place where we exchange ideas, tips and common knowledge. Perhaps your ideas will be of help to the rest of us or perhaps not, but we'll never know if it's done off forum in private.
 
i really appreciate all the help and information guys
i guess ive got to decide on whether to cut it up, or leave as is
whats a burl like this worth? if im to sell it
is it better to cut up, so i get a few peices, or sell as a whole
or is it too complicated to put a price on with the pics ive posted?

mike
 
theevilmike said:
i really appreciate all the help and information guys
i guess ive got to decide on whether to cut it up, or leave as is
whats a burl like this worth? if im to sell it
is it better to cut up, so i get a few peices, or sell as a whole
or is it too complicated to put a price on with the pics ive posted?

mike
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I think that if you can dry it, cut it into blocks/scales, you would probably make more than if you sell it whole and as is.

As someone else mentioned, wood turners could use larger pieces, but you could sell more pieces if it is cut up.

I wish I could give you some indication of value, but it varies so much based on so many things (and the species is among the most important). Perhaps Burl Source or one of the others who sell wood on-line will be able to give you some idea about it's dollar value... I wouldn't dare to even try.
 
Mike, a hornbeam burl that size is very unique, but ultimately the value (to you) is what ever $$ some one places in your hand. "Market" price for that will vary depending on the craft niche. If what I'm seeing in the cut face are bark inclusions and voids they will be "defects" in smaller, high value pieces like knife handles and small turning squares. You could loose half the presumptive value by cutting it up on prospect of sale. Whole burl caps like this have more value and market appeal to wood turners because they can cut to their standards and needs or leave it whole for a fascinating natural shape bowl which commands higher gallery prices. Now, wood turners are a notorious group with deep pockets and short arms, but that cap left whole will command revenue respect :)

If you were a bit south in location I'd have interest for it's uniqueness and the fact that, "I don't got me one of those". Get in touch with some local turning clubs to test the market further or roll the dice and cut it up. If you cut it up do it sooner than later so the pieces will dry quicker.
 
just to post a pic of a finished peice of this burl, well almost finished, its sanded to about 400 grit and attached to my latest attempt at a knife
i did end up cutting it into sections, ive been trying a few methods of drying it out

mike

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boiled it, cooked it in oven at low temp, bit of microwave, oiled it frequently thru-out the process
really anything i could find thru google to help speed it up lol
i doubt its dried completly, but i really wanted to try some of it out
it did check and crack a bit, but was thick enough that i was able to use it anyway
i have a litlle more than 2 milk crates of the stuff in the shed drying out, cut into 1"x2"x5-6" some smaller, some larger
 
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