A VERY Thorny Challenge! : Woodturning the spikey but beautiful Mallee Burl

In this video, we're taking a look at the Mallee Burl - woodturning one of Australia's finest. This grain is incredibly spikey and thorny on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts.
If you're interested in woodturning, then you'll need to check out this Mallee Burl - woodturning Australia's finest. It's a really unique wood with an amazing grain structure that you won't find anywhere else. Be sure to watch the video to learn more about this beautiful wood!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below, all comments will be entered into the giveaway.
eBay Listings:
Mallee Burl bowl: www.ebay.co.uk...
Beech Inlay bowl: www.ebay.co.uk...
Support the channel and buy merchandise: ko-fi.com/mike...
Tools I use:
Record Power Regent Lathe: www.yandles.co...
Record Power turning tools and chucks: www.yandles.co...
Tim Mason, STEADY REST: [e-mail]
Facebook: / mike-holton-hand-made-...
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Website: mikeholton.net/
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/mike...
And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
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DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@keithbryan4968]

I'm overwhelmed by your passion and insight. It's wonderful to continually watch you create something beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Keith, very kind of you to say 😊

[@marybasso3205]

Beautiful the best I have seen

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@_zhawkeye_9808]

...burl wood is, in itself, amazing...but what you created here is simply stunning!... Matt 🍻

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Matt😀

[@billrose2083]

WOW !!! That is some beautiful wood, and your work is spectacular, as usual. You're a real inspiration, Mike. Just a point of interest, this is November 21,2023. In two days, November 23, my wife and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary !! Never thought we'd make it THIS far, but here we are !! Seems like it all went by so fast.

[@MikeHolton]

Happy anniversary to you and your good lady, 50 years is an amazing achievement. All the best my friend, hope you have a wonderful day on Thursday and celebrate in style 😀

[@stevebettany8778]

Congratulations

[@billrose2083]

@@stevebettany8778 THANK YOU !!!

[@davidbaxter5132]

Congratulations to you Bill, and your Wife. My Wife tells me I have no chance of us making it that far if I keep spending more time watching Mike's videos than with her! (... and I am not sure if she is joking!)

[@billrose2083]

@@davidbaxter5132 Thank you !! Wow ! I didn't expect congratulations from Mike's video messages !! HAHAHAHAHAHA !

[@maudwelford1843]

The aroma in the WA forests is fantastic where these buris grow 👏👏👏👏👏👏💕🇬🇧

[@MikeHolton]

I can imagine! 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

Today's words of wisdom: "When things go bad, never worry about it; just think of a way to solve it." And. . . "Like all good workmen, I shall blame my tools." Another stunning piece. A joy to watch it emerge.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend, the second saying there is my favourite 😂

[@deborahfaulk5532]

The bowl is so beautiful, it looks like glass, absolutely unique and pretty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@chrishughart2279]

You’re bowls and vases are gorgeous! Gives me inspiration to turn something!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, try it, it's great fun 😀

[@chrishughart2279]

@@MikeHolton ya I have a powermatic lathe that I turn stuff on but it’s gotten cold so I’ve slowed down on making things haha

[@MikeHolton]

@@chrishughart2279 haha I know what you mean 😀

[@tommymcdonald2065]

Years ago, when I was a young man, an older gentleman told me something I will never forget. He said to always flip the bowl over and look at the foot. If the turner spends time on the bottom for a pleasing look, you know he's good. The Marlee Burl Bowl is beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I completely agree. All the best, Mike

[@nicktroopmusic]

It's impossible to tire of watching turning, and wood working in general. There is always something new to see in wood.

[@MikeHolton]

I completely agree, every piece is different and has something to offer 😀

[@SilverBack.]

WOW it turned out absolutely Amazing, well done Mike 🙌🙌🙌🙌👍👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Doug, this was so much fun!!!!! 😀

[@terrimaldonado8806]

That wood has absolutely the most beautiful character!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and I completely agree 😀

[@bruno1285]

The grain in this burl is beautiful, great job 👏 well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it really is something else! 😀

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

Mike thanks for bringing the natural beauty out in this burl, and sharing it with us all to enjoy and appreciate along with you. ❤x x

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Shelley, all the best, Mike 😀

[@drivingacrossamerica8228]

This is absolutely beautiful. Definitely one of my favorites so far. I really appreciate you sharing this with us!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much and I have to admit. it is just about my favourite as well 😀

[@lorainenatalino5534]

Absolutely gorgeous piece…love your vision…excellent job matching the angle on the rim…👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Loraine 😀

[@deehenry1983]

wow Mike, another stunner!!!! thanks for the great video, and send a thanks to your wife for keeping you fed and helping with your creations! cheers!!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dee and I will certainly pass your message on 😀

[@ronkiskowoodart9680]

Well done Mike! What an amazing piece of timber!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ron, this wood is hard to beat 😀

[@ZeDocta]

What phenomenal piece of wood. One of the best that you've turned. Thank you for revealing it's inner beauty.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you! 😀

[@RattiDave]

That burl grain is hypnoticly intricate. The finish accentuates it's beauty. You have outdone yourself.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Dave, I think I'm in love with this wood, the grain is just amazing, all the best, Mike 😀

[@gloopgloopglorp]

Wow. BEAUTIFUL. You have a practiced talent for turning an accident of nature into a piece of art. That wood could not have found more skillful hands.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow! thanks so much, all the best, Mike 😀

[@joeribak]

Just beautiful wood and a great job! I especially liked the top rim inside bevel to match the angle of the bowl below. Great idea, and creative thoughtfulness as always!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Joe 😀

[@zacschiffman8056]

Beautiful piece of wood and such a gorgeous final product!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@sea-ferring]

With the alcohol as well as the final finish, the grain looks three dimensional. So incredibly beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is so very pretty, I need some more to turn 😊

[@vincenthardman7691]

Magnificent, enough said. Thank you for taking the time to film and share.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Vince, all the best, Mike 😀

[@mouradbelkas598]

It is a beautiful piece and you did great job in creating a masterpiece. Thank you

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dawnjanacek]

Simply gorgeous! Well done, as always!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@BulletTing]

Amazing, the bowl looks alive!! Great work

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@Heyzeusization]

The live edge perfectly compliments that amazing grain. It's beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@Tseringlhatso]

What a STUNNING piece! Simply gorgeous, could look at that for hours. Thanks for another great video

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, me too and fact I have been 😀

[@tomburns7544]

....ooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!! One of the most beautiful burl pieces I've ever seen! Excellent design, Mike. I love the proud rim matching the curvature of the bowl underneath the wings! Well done, as usual! 👍!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tom, it worked better than I could ever hope for 😀

[@Bloke-in-Stoke]

Stunning. Now that's what I call a work of art. Well done once again and thanks for sharing and inspiring. Cheers 🍺

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@peterloos8027]

And he does it again!! Mike, what a beautifull bowl you made from a very special piece of wood. The natural edge almost camouflages the bowlshape in the center. All the different grain pattern…. I cannot stop looking at it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, this is my favourite piece so far. The grain is just amazing 😀

[@neongrey333]

Incredible! The grain is so intricate, I could just stare at it forever. Love what you did with the rim of the bowl, too. Thanks for posting!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mariabasil9631]

Beautiful! And listening to your description of your enjoyment!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Maria, this is probably my favourite turning, the wood is just stunning! 😀

[@GlennTillema]

What a crazy bowl! Nice that you could preserve some of the spiky bits!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Glan, I had to, they are such an amazing part of this wood 😀

[@davidtyers4903]

Thats beautiful.you let the shape come through nicely.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😀

[@chrischambers5466]

That is stunning! I love the way you explain your thought process as you work through it...strangely similar to the way I do it, stop, have a look, bit more, stop, look...

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris, with a piece this this you need to keep stopping as you are playing with very tight tolerances and things can quickly get out of shape if you are not very careful. 😀

[@denocro3586]

Beautifully done Mike.I live in southwest Australia and am always on the lookout for mallee burls and roots, sometimes they can suddenly let go on the lathe so a face mask is a must. I was holding my breath at times while you were working that it would hold together. Well done cobber and thankyou for sharing. Cheers Deno.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Deno, I always keep myself as safe as I can be but it does happen so like you said keep well to the side just in case 😀

[@Cyberzombie23]

I saved this video to watch later and I'm so glad i got around to watching it. Such an incredible piece of wood and such a beautiful bowl. Excellent.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! This is one of my favorites 😁

[@petercampbell9899]

'looks like it's from a different world'...Australian flora and fauna do indeed have that look and feel about them. I certainly remarked on that upon arriving here many many years ago.

[@MikeHolton]

It is a pretty amazing wood 😀

[@otherpops9097]

I really enjoy your creativity, can't wait to see everything you end up making.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@Colganology]

Best yet. That grain!

[@MikeHolton]

100% agree, I love it 😀

[@joyceburton8208]

A beautiful piece of wood and now a beautiful bowl. Magnificent!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joyce 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

WOW! How astounding! That wood has fantastic patterns and grains. Another very beautiful, rustic piece that would go great in the log cabin living room of my dreams.

[@MikeHolton]

You do like log cabins!

[@oldncarvingJohn]

Yes our mallee and other eucalypts have fantastic burls. Brilliant result. ❤❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, all I can say is I need to buy more 😀

[@peterhopkins9193]

Come across you yesterday I'm looking forward to browsing your videos. There's something about woodwork that I love. Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Peter and and thanks for joining us 🙂

[@susannah4Him]

A stunning wood and stunning work of art! You could study that grain for a long while and still find new things. Well done, you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Susannah, I've been doing just that for ages now 😅

[@JohnSmith-w2b]

Beautiful Australian wood, that’s why I love turning it, well done 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I think I'm going to look for a nice red mallee next 😀

[@racheldray1057]

"winging it" lol! It really is an amazing piece, but looks really challenging to turn. That shock at 13 mins! The video allows us to see some of the grain, but I'm sure it can't compare to the beauty in real life. The shape is very much your style. Love it.

[@lornacy]

"Winging it" made me chuckle too 😄

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, the grain is just amazing up close!!!! 😀

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Absolutely stunning. Love those Ausi burls.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, this is my first and I think I'll be getting more very soon 😀

[@taysider01]

I didn't think it would look as good with the wings but, it's beautiful. Excellent work again Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀 this one makes me very happy

[@geoffwebb1971]

Stunning work, and an absolutely amazing bowl. First time I have seen or heard of this wood . And just wow 👌. Thank you for sharing your work and knowledge.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome 😁 thanks for watching ☺️

[@heatherharcrow6156]

Love the wings!!!! Really allows you to show off a whole piece of this amazing wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Heather 😀

[@stevescott8655]

You've outdone yourself this time! Absolutely stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you Steve 😀

[@klff_]

Really beautiful!! Well done, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@robertrichards1840]

Absolutely beautiful you are extremely talented Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Robert, that's very kind of you to say 😊

[@StuartMcLean-u9o]

Absolutely gorgeous Mike. I have never seen you have to work as much but it is well worth all the effort.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stuart, some things are worth the extra effort 😀

[@peterthornton8520]

Thats what I call a work of Art. The incredible variation of the grain is absolutely amazing. Well done for producing the Bowl. Also the use of the oil to bring the grain out. Fantastic. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Peter 😀

[@loranwfry-zu9pu]

Very nice work Mike. Nice save. It never does any good to get angry while turning. Accept and understand the mistake, then figure out how to fix it. Turning and learning. I love the challenge of every piece I turn. There's never a bad day turning.

[@MikeHolton]

I completely agree Loran, I learn more from dealing with problems than I do when all does right 😀

[@EdwardGodwin-f2p]

Great Mike! I was skeptical almost all the way, but you did it beautifully and the wood is beautiful! And I love the "stream of consciousness " in your dialog as you go along solving problems one by one. You and Phil Anderson should meet and do side by side turnings with dialog!!

[@MikeHolton]

@@EdwardGodwin-f2p Thanks so much, I would love to go and work with Phil, I just love his work but I don't think he even knows who I am lol 😀

[@MightyWizardTim]

What a fantastic bowl. I love it. Great job using the whole piece rather than cutting it up.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, seems such a waste to cut it down 😀

[@mikew2468]

A stunning result Mike, what beautiful wood from down under. Also brilliant to see you vision and skill illustrating the art, trials and tribulations of Woodturning.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Mike, this is real life, I don't try to hide the mistakes or problems. 😀

[@jeanlong4285]

Oh my, how beautiful. You did a fantastic job with that wonderful piece of wood. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Jean 😀

[@ianlee9755]

Absolutely beautiful, it looks like molten lava that has solidified.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ian, the grain had so much going on in it, it's just beautiful 😁

[@lizacole9520]

Fwoar! I love the intricacy of the grain, so stunning. Thanks for sharing the high res photos!

[@MikeHolton]

My pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@dennislebold8432]

What a beautiful bowl, just amazing

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Dennis 😀

[@dereckholben937]

That is one of the most amazing pieces i have ever seen!! Amazing wood, and amazing turning by you!! thanks for showing it to us!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dereck, this was a lot of fun 😀

[@lindadepew4471]

From every angle this is a masterpiece! Loved watching this beauty appear!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Linda, I did as well, great fun from start to finish 😀

[@RenaLarson61]

I just love the Mallee burl, absolutely stunning, beautiful work as always Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rena 😀

[@markduggan3451]

That is absolutely stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@johnbuchanan578]

Absolutely stunning, a wonderful project, so beautifully presented.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😀

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks👍 That turned out great,the natural edge really works well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Colin 😀

[@adrianhoe5199]

Outstanding stunning piece of work,, this is on another level,,, Love it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Adrian, all the best, Mike 😀

[@agkwoodworks3136]

All i can say to that Mike is ,,,,,,,,, Stunning you must be very proud of that , it came out beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much my friend ☺️

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

Absolutely stunning bowl. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it, all the best, Mike 😀

[@RyanBHarvey]

What a spectacular wood grain! That’s a gorgeous bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, just about the nicest I've turned 😀

[@inesbahl69]

What a beautiful bowl. I need to watch more of your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, watch as many as you like 😀

[@Ken.norwood2]

I’m so jealous. That is beautiful stuff buddy. Good job

[@MikeHolton]

Haha sorry 😀 and thanks, all the best, Mike

[@bobbrowder1572]

Another absolutely beautiful piece. Thanks for educating us on different woods. I am learning a lot.

[@MikeHolton]

My pleasure Bob, next week is another very interesting wood 😀

[@ronniekeates3349]

That grain is stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ronnie, it really is! 😀

[@gluey27]

Absolutely gorgeous Mike well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks! 😀

[@mcnorcan]

The grain is spectacular.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it is pretty amazing! 😀

[@lornacy]

Thank you again! As I watched this I just kept thinking you treated yourself to the wood, and treated us to the video. Love your channel more and more every viewing. And greetings to your beautiful wife, thanks for behind- the-scenes support!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lornacy, I have passed your message onto my wife 😁. The sales have given me a chance to get some amazing wood which I want to share with everyone. Hopefully I can continue for many years to come 😁

[@lornacy]

@@MikeHolton I hope for many more years of watching! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

@@lornacy yay, it's a date 🤣

[@donaldadams5342]

I have to say it 'great Aussie timber'. Now that's out of the way, this is a fantastic piece of woodturning, you have done an amazing job of making the bowl look as though it is fitting inside of 'a frame'. As you so accurately say Mike, the grain on this piece does look amazing over every square centimeter. Lovely finish with the Danish Oil & it's the first4 time I have ever heard of potential danger if not handled correctly. Brilliant work my friend & brilliant commentary as you go, so natural & relaxed as always. Cheers, Don from South AUSTRALIA.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks again Don, I'm starting to really look forward to your comments lol. There are some beautiful Australian woods out there and I intend to turn as many different types as I can get my hand on. I have two more red Mallee burls in the workshop which I can't wait to start. All the best my friend, Mike 😀

[@johnheckles8239]

A piece of burl woodturning on KZbin that hasn’t been doused in a myriad of coloured resins.. How novel 😂 Love the final piece btw.. Stunning 👌🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😄

[@brianjoneswoodturning3682]

Well done Mike, I thinkyou did that piece of burl justice. Nice Job !!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Brian 😀

[@joesmith1574]

That is a beautiful piece! I liked how you went ahead and included the spiky voids in the rim of the bowl, very well done! It gives the piece a classier look.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joe, I do like the way this one came out 😀

[@LoisHubbard]

I've seen you reveal plenty of bowls, even burls with wonderful patterns, and I've started to get a feel for what the finished products are going to look like but that was a total surprise. Really amazing to see - as always, thanks for sharing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Lois, this is no doubt, this wood is stunning 😀

[@nicholaskrest]

Mesmerising. Gorgeous burl with your heart felt affinity for wood, we could hardly expect anything less. I feel your emotion for this piece come through your camera to your viewers. Awesome enhancement of nature itself.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate that, all the best, Mike 😀

[@jenhovland2454]

I'm not normally a fan of winged bowls, but this burl makes it so stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jen, they are not for everyone but I do like this one 😀

[@huberthicks9080]

Stunning, Mike. Well executed turning of a beautiful piece of natures creation.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Hubert 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

As a famous judge on TV would say ... A-maz-ing!! Such a tremendous job, Mike. Wow, how far 'we' (you!) have come with this channel. Brilliant, my friend, just brilliant!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you David, it has been a crazy ride that's for sure, I would never have guessed people would actually enjoy what I do so much lol 😀

[@mashmade-airth]

One of your best pieces imo Mike & there's been many really nice ones to choose from. Keep it up

[@MikeHolton]

I have to agree, I love everything about it, 2 hours of sanding was well worth it 😀

[@jeramiahcrosier3481]

I like how you honor the original wood by keeping the wings and that texture. I have some pretty funky pieces that I have been mulling over how to handle them, and this has really inspired me to let them be funky.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! Every part of this wood was great so seemed such a waist to turn it away.

[@RobertShuman-x7y]

Absolutely stunning, Mike. You are truly an artist of amazing creations, Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert, I just love what I do 😀

[@rustysawblade2591]

Stunning again, Mike. The grain patterns on these burls always remind me of those old timey sailing maps, after the finish goes on and the grain pops. especially on the outside of the bowl where it's more globe shaped. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Good call my friend, I think I may be addicted to these now 😀

[@acousticmikeb8119]

That looks stunning! Thank you for your videos. They are educational, fun, and calming!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like them Mike 😀

[@andreamassari9099]

Amazing grain! Spectacular piece 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Andrea 😀

[@mattgraham4025]

I absolutely love this piece! I really like how you extend the top of the bowl above the wings. Amazing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Matt, really appreciate your comments ☺️

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. Yet again, you bring us a piece of wood which turns into a complete gem. The finish, to my mind, resembled one of those high altitude photographs of a rain forest, which are so beautiful. Absolutely glorious! I also like the fact you never see challenges as a problem - merely as a solution waiting to be applied. And this application is certainly memorable.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thanks Angela, challenges are the best way I know how to learn, I've spent enough of my life turning away from problems and just making do so now I face them and even if I fail I know I tried. All the best, Mike