This bowl-in-a-bowl, which measures 16 inches across and is seven inches deep, is from a surprising wood. Now, before you scroll down and see what it is, honestly guess what it could be. Madrone? Yew? Rainforest Sealpup Yagotmewud?
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So, here's the story:
A local sawyer dropped off this huge burl back in October, when it was snowing. A few hints: it was barky and sappy, weighed a ton, and this tree can be found in most regions of theUnited States. It is not a species you'd normally turn. In fact, it's a tree that you'd avoid.
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It was a remarkably common wood, and when I heard what it was, I simply said "thanks" but didn't really think it would amount to much. Then, in May, on a slow day, I finally cut off all the spongy unuseable wood and chucked it up. OK-- what is it?
FIR! A large fir burl! It was tough to turn; the sap created heat, which dulled my edges, and we all know how hard it is to get a good finish on fir. After all, it's construction-grade wood. I turned it, and simply Beal polished it. The idea behind the design is that it's a chip-and-dip vessel for my son, and the ceramic insert is washable. The center lid is mahogany, and the cap is maple burl and brass. (Comments on the design welcome, because I'm, still not sure about it.)
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