For those who may not be familiar with woodturning, I will outline a definition for it. This art form is an ancient process that began in the third century BC by the Egyptians. Of course, today, the machinery is much more practical and modern. Woodworkers prefer using soft woods, such as Maple, for turning bowls and pens, as it is cut more easily than hardwoods like Oak.
There are several varieties of trees used in woodworking, and knowing the right one to use for a specific item is of great value, especially for beginners. Most hardwoods can be used for anything from bowls to beds, and everything in between! Frequently, beautiful markings lie within the rough bark of these types of trees. One person may look at a pile of wood as simply firewood, while another recognizes its potential for creating beautiful works of art. For instance, figured Madrone wood comes from slow-growth trees and is often very costly. The unique patterns that are seen in this particular variety are absolutely beautiful.
A tutorial on wood burls:
It seems everyone has at one time or another noticed large bumps on trees, known as burls. From my experience, burls are created by stress being applied to the tree. Stress can be caused from mold, insects, or a continually damp climate. Burls typically are formed in an erratic way, looking deformed against the shape of the tree, but are very valuable to those who have a creative ability to use them. Many finished wood pieces created from a burl's figured wood can be found on display in art museums around the world.
A three-dimensional block of wood, sometimes sanded, or sometimes turned rough, is called a "blank", and represents the beginning of a beautiful piece of art. If only a hobby, or a way of life for the woodworker, it remains cost-effective to buy the blanks in larger quantities. Figured Pen blanks are used specifically for creating pens.
Due to the articulate grain patterns caused by burls, they are highly prized and often expensive, but work beautifully as a foundation from which large objects may be sculpted.
Since maple woodturning blanks and wood burls are the most popular to work with, they are also the most expensive. Especially, their burls can be used to produce artistic pieces of great quality. What may be seen as "defects" by many, a wood turner makes into beautiful conversation pieces, which can hold great value, both monetary and sentimental.
There are several varieties of trees used in woodworking, and knowing the right one to use for a specific item is of great value, especially for beginners. Most hardwoods can be used for anything from bowls to beds, and everything in between! Frequently, beautiful markings lie within the rough bark of these types of trees. One person may look at a pile of wood as simply firewood, while another recognizes its potential for creating beautiful works of art. For instance, figured Madrone wood comes from slow-growth trees and is often very costly. The unique patterns that are seen in this particular variety are absolutely beautiful.
A tutorial on wood burls:
It seems everyone has at one time or another noticed large bumps on trees, known as burls. From my experience, burls are created by stress being applied to the tree. Stress can be caused from mold, insects, or a continually damp climate. Burls typically are formed in an erratic way, looking deformed against the shape of the tree, but are very valuable to those who have a creative ability to use them. Many finished wood pieces created from a burl's figured wood can be found on display in art museums around the world.
A three-dimensional block of wood, sometimes sanded, or sometimes turned rough, is called a "blank", and represents the beginning of a beautiful piece of art. If only a hobby, or a way of life for the woodworker, it remains cost-effective to buy the blanks in larger quantities. Figured Pen blanks are used specifically for creating pens.
Due to the articulate grain patterns caused by burls, they are highly prized and often expensive, but work beautifully as a foundation from which large objects may be sculpted.
Since maple woodturning blanks and wood burls are the most popular to work with, they are also the most expensive. Especially, their burls can be used to produce artistic pieces of great quality. What may be seen as "defects" by many, a wood turner makes into beautiful conversation pieces, which can hold great value, both monetary and sentimental.
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