Cracking the Chestnut!! - Woodturning ASMR the Crustaceous Chestnut Burl

Welcome, fellow woodturning enthusiasts, to another exciting adventure in the workshop! Today, we're diving deep into the heart of the forest to tackle a true natural wonder: the chestnut burl. But this isn't just any ordinary burl - it's a marvel of nature, resembling the intricate shell of a crustacean, with its twists, turns, and hidden treasures waiting to be uncovered.
Join me as we embark on a journey to crack open the chestnut burl and reveal its secrets. From its gnarled exterior to the mesmerizing patterns hidden within, we'll witness the transformation as wood meets art in the most unexpected of forms. ASMR
So grab your tools and hold on tight, because we're about to embark on a wild ride of creativity and craftsmanship. Let's dive in!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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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

[@GoodWoodsuk.co.uk_ebay]

Absolutely gorgeous, I'm glad you found the wax useful Mike,it reflects the light very well. It's splash and finger print resistant and as you mentioned it can be useful for tools and your band saw bed.👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dean, it worked so well 😀

[@GoodWoodsuk.co.uk_ebay]

It's more durable than microcrystalline wax alone,with a higher melting point. It's took so long to get it right but I think I've nailed it now.

[@TimMaidment]

Oh I think I've fallen in love with that style of bowl now! What a fantastic transformation!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@peterloos8027]

Really beautiful again Mike! Good tip to place the blank a bit ‘crooked’ to even out the edge; I’m going to try that myself. I have some olivewood lying around with very akward shapes where I can use this method! Thanks for sharing and educating Mike!!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Peter, it's a nice simple way to get more out of a piece of wood 😀

[@Tseringlhatso]

What a gorgeous bowl! Love the form as well as the wood. 😍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much, I really like this one 😀

[@zackemal1987]

I really do enjoy watching your willingness to go outside of the box, With your art.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I appreciate that 😀

[@brendadriver2702]

That’s some pretty burl! The live edge and shape of the bowl are perfect. Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Brenda, this one is just a little bit nice 😀

[@MGDesignsWoodworking]

Beautiful natural edge on that burl. Those burls are such a treat to work with when you get them.

[@MikeHolton]

They really are, I have another from the same tree 😀

[@raydriver7300]

Hi Mike. I’ve caught you just in time as I’m leaving for work now. Thank you again for inviting me round and we’ll catch up soon. Talking of catching up; I’ve just bought two tickets for Makers Central on Sunday May 19th 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Ray, I would love to go to makers and I will one day. At the moment it's a fair old hike from here and I have so much on I can;'t afford the time.

[@haroldhoskison7239]

Beautiful burl bowl! The live edge with and without the bark adds more interest.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Harold 😀

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike that was a stunning piece of Chestnut burl. It was upgraded to awesome after you finished your turning prowess. One again another artistic gem. Thanks for the video looking forward to the next one.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roy, this one worked out way better than I had hoped 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

Oh yes, that's a beauty, Michael. I love the rustic charm of the bark edge, and the wood grains are nice. Great way to start Tuesday, April 30 while having my toast.

[@MikeHolton]

Good morning my friend, I hope you have a wonderful day 😀

[@LoisHubbard]

Hi Mike, alot of respect to you for keeping the wood as natural as possible and letting it speak for itself. Resin certainly has its place and no doubt we'll be seeing some wonderful creations from you with the bits you removed, but this bowl is a triumph

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! And hopefully you will 😁

[@RikMRon]

Nature at its finest

[@MikeHolton]

You can't beat it 😀

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike, I really like the satin finish on this bowl - very classy! As always, having your thought process articulated as you work each piece is, for me (a non-turner) helpful in giving me a basic understanding of the work involved and how this relates to the anticipated final result. And this was done so well in regard to how you wanted to mount the wood on the lathe and demonstrating how this decision affected the final outcome. Thank you for that, for me, it was most enlightening - and enjoyable. Have a great week, and I am looking forward to the next bit of magic.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks as always Angela, Hope you have a wonderful weekend 😁

[@galloping3265]

Thank you for your channel which provides me a creative way to take a break from the high stress news on TV ie trump trials, tornadoes etc. Your calm voice and lovely art helps me stay centered and grounded. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much I really appreciate it, all the best, Mike 😀

[@DesignbyDek]

I have a great appreciation for the more natural pieces, and that one is no exception. I love the live edge, and the grain on that burl is beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@pennyperry9561]

So glad you feature the natural character of the wood. The form is really a perfect compliment as well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Penny ☺️

[@robinkerr1624]

You said it - “Just gorgeous!” It’s a privilege to be able to watch you work Mike. Thank you again.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you Robin 😊

[@trinciacakewalk]

Yes, I love that shape of bowl as well. And the wood is stunning! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😊 😀

[@benketteridge9150]

It looks like chestnut makes a fabulous visually textured finish, whilst taking a really smooth texture in the hand. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

It does! The wood grain is smooth and beautiful 😀

[@Mx-Alba]

Love that natural edge!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, me too 😊

[@TriMarkC]

This was really fascinating to watch it’s transformation

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@shawndesjardins3841]

Another great bowl. That wood is fantastic.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Shawn 😊

[@louisjackson4634]

I feel there’s nothing better than a burl. Stunning piece Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Louis and you are right, they are just so special 😀

[@MarieToth-m2q]

I really like that piece. Natural edge bowls are so unique.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Marie, I just love them 😃

[@matildafishes9931]

The grain in the chestnut burl is beautiful!! You did a wonderful job on this piece. 👏 I hope you're enjoying your new shop. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Matilda, I'm just loving the new place 😀

[@lindawallace-radcliffe5915]

Looks absolutely fabulous love the colour and the burl another lovely bowl ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks very much Linda 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

Beautiful design & craftsmanship. Stunning wood! My new favorite.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, this is one of my favourites as well 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! I think it's mine as well

[@davidbaxter5132]

Super bowl, Mike. I agree it is OK to lose the bark, especially on a piece as good as this burl - absolutely love the finished bowl - you just keep getting better!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David! So nice of you to say 😀

[@christineandrews1510]

Another little beauty Mike, love the natural edges !

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Christine 🙂

[@spikejohnson4477]

That's lovely - it came out as amazing looking as I thought it would!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@bab7880]

Once again, another gorgeous piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@cazdough6565]

Burl is fascinating and looks lovely with a live edge, clever turning too Mike, to get the most out of the available wood, you never disappoint 😀

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Beautiful bowl and beautiful wood, great combo Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Dale 😁

[@stevewall3246]

Beening stuck at home most of the time due to disabilities I’m not that I’m complaining I love watching your channel the creations that you make with the tone of your voice is so soothing as soon as I get a notification that you’ve got a new video uploaded I can’t help but watch it your skills are incredible Keep up the good work and the lovely videos

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, so glad I can help in some small way. All the best, Mike

[@fionacrouch1732]

Ok, so you really aren't fair Mike. Everytime I think I have my top favourites lined up, you go and present us with another stunning piece 😍 Love the shape. Actually love everything about it. Thanks for sharing Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Fiona, I must admit I think this has made it to my top ten 😀

[@mirimeijers9053]

i totally get it when you keep looking at this bowl and turning it around, it is fascinating. Love the shape, love that you did not use any resin or glue, just great.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Lazarus142]

So glad to see you back, Mike! Love the new piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, but I've been back a while now 🤣

[@Lazarus142]

@@MikeHolton Indeed! However, we both had some logistical issues to deal with. I'm only just able to watch again 😛

[@MikeHolton]

@@Lazarus142 haha well it's great to see us both back at it

[@SydCom]

Such a beautiful piece! Once again, you've brought out the secrets hidden inside a burl. Thanks for sharing your artistry with us.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jbjeep8324]

Beautiful! What a lovely burl piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks JB it really has beautiful grain 😀

[@cobberpete1]

Stunning piece of wood. You have uncanny knack of picking some beautiful pieces of wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! I search for pieces every day 😄

[@simon54131]

Yet another stunning piece, always a joy to watch.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you Simon 😊

[@justsome-guy7596]

What a gorgeous bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@bevharrison8157]

Love it . Nature is truly wonderful , a very appealing bowl . Thanks Mike. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Bev 😀

[@wessnyder6345]

Hip, Hip, Huray! Your new bandsaw works perfectly. You should be happy with how the bowl turned out. It is gorgeous. Our chestnut forests were mostly devastated by disease. They were old and majestic. A terrible loss. However, with much work and research, some areas are starting to see a few chestnut trees return. Hopefully future generations once again will awe at their beauty and enjoy harvesting the nuts.

[@MikeHolton]

I have heard about the blight but so glad it is starting to improve, it really is a beautiful tree 😀

[@jimmynewell5815]

Natural edge is the best looking bowls, Great job

[@MikeHolton]

I think so too Jimmy 😀

[@amieclay8409]

This is awesome - what a great edge, SO much personality! I love it. Here's a smooch for Hooch!! 😘😘😘

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Amie, I do love the shape of this one, Hooch says hi 😀

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Beautiful work, wood, bowl. Fantastic!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Doug 😀

[@RenaLarson61]

Chestnut burl has such an amazing grain, I'm glad you left it all natural and didn't use resin to fill n the cracks, absolutely love it, beautiful work as always Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rena 😀

[@mikew2468]

A lovely result Mike and an interesting way to approach an odd shaped blank.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike ☺️

[@Peter_R996]

What a beautiful bowl! Excellent work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Peter 😁

[@nicholaskrest]

Nature can be so beautiful and you have made the most of it. Love the jaunty attachment approach- I learn something new every time. Thanks

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Nicholas 😀

[@jpwoodwork]

Brilliant Mike, Lovely bit of wood

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Jamie, so much fun to turn 😁

[@markdesautels4764]

Beautiful bowl! Offsetting the center at the beginning was a great idea.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark, it worked quite well 😀

[@petershipman7314]

Lovely cheggy burl ,well done🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😃

[@chrispaine5551]

Another great bowl looked fantastic

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris 😀

[@nicholasscott3089]

Really lovely, brilliant turn. Don't stop your good work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul, I thought you might like this one, so full of character 😀

[@Firebird1005]

Lovely piece again. Brilliant outcome of the offset.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@AndyHarman-f4v]

Another lovely looking bowl 🥣

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@dwamc]

Absolutely beautiful as usual.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@vdubboy85225]

What a beautiful piece. Really love that shape and coloring.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@stevehaas3684]

The chestnut turned out beautifully. You’re a treat to watch.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steven 😀

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks Mike 👍 The Chestnut is amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is! Thanks Colin 😀

[@hoppers2010]

I love turning chestnut burrs. Fabulous finish Mike. Thanks as always for sharing your talent.

[@MikeHolton]

My pleasure! and thanks for watching 😀

[@davidjowett8195]

Another stunning blank to start with. It deserved the simple finish you gave it. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much David 😀

[@JohnBare-l2j]

Beautiful! Lots of character

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@jeremysherfield3669]

Absolutely beautiful work and wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jeremy 😀

[@shawncrane7448]

Absolutely beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Shawn 😀

[@albertdawson6814]

Very beautiful piece of wood. Thank you for sharing. See you on the next one

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Albert, see you soon 😀

[@beverlym5465]

GORGEOUS!! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😄

[@thinklikeadog007]

What a Stunner with all the natural wood and bark features!

[@MikeHolton]

This one really turned out well 😀

[@novi9048]

Absolutley gorgeous.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@ianlee9755]

Absolutely beautiful, love the grain, you did the wood proud, nice one.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ian ☺️

[@OzfGP35]

This is my favourite Mike 😀 love how it is so beautifully shaped & that natural edge is great ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Karen 😁

[@thenash4822]

A beautiful piece, Mike. The way you turned that from a sloping piece of burl into graceful curved bowl was brilliant. The grain is really nice and the bark inclusions and live edge really highlights the beauty of the wood. I like the light finish as well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@funnytime13]

You can read the World's history jn that piece! WOW!! Cheryl in Jacksonville FL..thanks for sharing❤😅

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Cheryl, it really is a wonderful grain!

[@cassandraeldridge98]

I love it!! It is so pretty with the bark still on.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Cassandra 😀

[@kristinalubas5181]

Good morning from Tennessee, USA! I’m always so excited when I see a new video from you. I’m not a woodworker but I find your work fascinating and have been working backwards into the older videos throughout the week. On the subject of chestnut and its availability: I think it very much depends on what species of chestnut you are working with. For example, you will probably never see younger American chestnut for wood turning because they are highly endangered and the subject of serious conservation efforts here in North America. Most of the reclaimed wood available is primarily used for furniture and can be a hundred or more years old.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kirstin, never seen American Chestnut, we have two main species over here, Sweet and Horse, both are fairly common but as they are not really used for much the wood from fallen trees usually goes off to be turned into fire wood

[@stephencarey6114]

Great final shape. Good choice with the shellac. What beautiful grain.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen 😀

[@82ndairbornevet]

Mike, what a beautiful Burl and it turned out very nicely even though most of the bark came off. I love it! One of my favorites.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I think this makes it into my top ten 😀

[@corymichaels8670]

Gotta love it when the wood has eyes to look back at you. lol. Beautiful bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I know, my daughter said it looks like Jack Skellington 😀

[@mgh1675]

Chestnut is amazing wood. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and I agree 😀

[@MTO-p2r]

Just beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@brucetapp4926]

Nice finish on that burl Mike!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bruce! 😀

[@stevescott8655]

I love it! Absolutely beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@zzota]

Probably my favourite piece so far. Absolutely gorgeous! I love the initial offset to keep the top level. Never thought of that before.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, the offset really helped 😊

[@NomaD_203]

Love this one! Stunning! 😍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@jaynerichards7527]

Such a beautiful bowl. Amazing work- as always ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jayne 😀

[@van9420]

Gorgeous bowl. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@lisaliechty159]

That is gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lisa 😀

[@Riley-yy1yv]

Lovely grain! Chestnut looks like such a pleasure to work with

[@MikeHolton]

It can be and this piece as such a joy to work 😀

[@OmegaPrime76]

Love it! Beautiful bowl Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Buddy, this one has made my top ten 😀

[@davidsandford8343]

Beautiful piece, Mike. Great video as always!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David 😄

[@philgallagher1]

Hi Mike. Another triumph! Well done. The bark inclusions really make this bowl stand out! BTW hope you and the family are settling in to your new home and enjoying it! Cheers!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Phil, we are all settled in a really loving the new place. So much space inside and out! 😀

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice,the burl is beautiful, the shape is a great design. Thanks for another great video.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much David 😀

[@ScottDavis69096]

what a great looking piece Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Scott 😀

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

That is Beautiful Mike, Keeping the natural edge look is always going give the best results in my eyes. I really do love the way you allow the burl to dictate your thoughts and design resulting in the most stunning work of art. Thank you Mike for creating such beautiful pieces and inspiring content. x❤x😊

[@MikeHolton]

Wow! Thanks so much Shelley 😊

[@dennisoliver6421]

That is a very nice burl bowl, like the contrast

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Dennis ☺️

[@Vinimarshall450]

Lots of features to look at very light and natural , love it Mike 👏👏👏👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Vini, it really is quite special 😀

[@littlewindow7146]

This one turned out beautifully! Lovely bowl. :)

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊