This started out about 3 times bigger than the finish product. The wood blank looked great but by the time I got it round I was left with mostly rotten wood. I kept turning hoping that I could make something out of it and finally hit some solid wood strong enough for a tenon. I got it mounted in the chuck and started shaping it, next thing I know something is biting me on my back. I pull my shirt off and theres ants all over it, now I know why the wood was rotten.
I grabbed a chisel and started digging into the blank where it was the softest and pulled out a large punky piece that was full of ants, into the wood burning stove it went. I poked around a little more and found a few more bugs and then continued turning.
I am pretty happy with the finished results, I like the form and the void, where I dug out the ants, gives it a lot of character. And the color of the wood is amazing, bright reddish/orange color, some spalting and wild burl grain.
Box Elder burl ... 5 1/2" tall by 6 1/2" wide. Sanded to 1200 grit, finished with Generals Seal-a-Cell and carnauba wax, then rubbed out to a satin finish. (Didn't think a high gloss finish fit the piece)
Comments/Critiques always appreciated,
Shane Whitlock
