I was gifted a burl

[Gary Beasley]

While at my daughters wedding this weekend the father of her best friend gave me a large burl he said he bought years ago and was left stored in a closet. He cant remember anything about the type of wood other than the name started with M. Any wild guesses from the pics? I poked at it with a spring loaded punch and the dimple made compared to black walnut in size. Feels hard as nails.

 

[Brian Horais]

Could it be Madrone! If so, it is quite a gift!

 

[robo hippy]

Don't think it is madrone. Mesquite maybe? Madrone is fairly soft, and if it is a madrone burl, then the inside is most likely totally honey combed.

robo hippy

 

[Gary Beasley]

Im beginning to think its manzanita. The colors look right as well as the end grain.

 

[Odie]

Im beginning to think its manzanita. The colors look right as well as the end grain.View attachment 41058

Could be Gary......

Ironwood looks pretty close to that, too.

-----odie-----

 

[Gary Beasley]

Heres a macro shot of some end grain on it sanded to 800. Im told phinds may know something about it.

 

[John Tisdale]

Wow - you're a bold man - showing it to the forum creates expectations - we're all looking forward to a spectacular piece - a masterpiece. Or should we look forward to several small masterpieces?
A log like this begs several decisions up front without giving much information to go on. Cutting it into manageable chunks would allow several seriously great pieces at relatively low risk. Trying for a single large piece would be high risk but could yield a one-of-a-kind mind-blower.
I hope you send pics of the progress and don't hesitate to reach out

 

[Gary Beasley]

I would love any speculation on the best use of it just to get some ideas.