I Bought The Most Expensive Burl On eBay - Woodturning project

In this video, I'm unboxing and turning the most expensive burl available on eBay - a beautiful Thuya burl woodturning project!
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

[@bradb7223]

What a beautiful piece of wood. I have two rules for producing great turnings 1) Start with a great piece of wood. 2) Don't screw it up! Just that easy...LOL

[@MikeHolton]

You hit the nail on the head then 😀

[@thomasinlondon2849]

I commend you for producing such a beautiful piece. Great judgement from start to finish. A really beautiful work of art.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Thomas 😀

[@larryburrough3024]

Like a true tradesman, you handled your accident with bravery and grace. In my 42 year career, this happened to me on a few occasions. Most of the time, I didn’t stop with the project. I kept on and finished the endeavor. Well done Mike, Well Done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Larry, so kind of you to say. We have two choices when things go wrong, we can shout about it and make a fuss or we can carry on and finish, like you I'm in the get on with it camp. All the best, Mike

[@keithmetcalfe3990]

You could have tried to catch it😂😂. Scary piece but well recovered nice bowl and a great outcome👍

[@MikeHolton]

@@keithmetcalfe3990 🤣😂 good point, I'll give it a go next time 😂😂😂

[@paulg6637]

@@MikeHolton there's also the option to shout and make a fuss, perhaps swear a little (or a lot), and then carry on and finish it. Either way, that's a beautiful piece of wood and lovely bowl. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

@@paulg6637 haha thanks Paul 😅

[@catherinegoodenow7007]

I'm surprised my neighbors did not hear me gasp when it went flying!!! My sleeping dogs jumped up at my gasp! I love the double grooves on the sides and mirrored on the top. That burl could not be any more beautiful and your work brought that beauty front and center!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Catherine and please apologise to your dogs on my behalf 😀, all the best, Mike

[@PaulEast]

That's an amazing bowl. Congratulations.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul ☺️

[@PaulEast]

@@MikeHolton I'm learning about turning before I get a lathe and I'm pleased I've found your channel, loads of inspiration!

[@MikeHolton]

@@PaulEast Thanks so much Paul, glad you enjoy it

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

I love the way you amend your design as you go. You let the wood speak to you. Bravo!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, the wood has a better plan than I usually do so best to listen 😀

[@stephentranter854]

That grain. Best I have seen in a long time

[@MikeHolton]

Completely agree, I've never turned anything like it 😁

[@peterbriggs3408]

Almost screamed when it went flying. So glad you recovered it and well done on your verbal self control at that point 🙂

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Peter, I'm generally quite calm in these situations 😜

[@lefouineurdevideoinfoetc..3896]

@@MikeHolton : le principal c'est que tu n'été pas devant , on sans fou du bol 🤷🏻‍♂🙄 il est con l'autre là 😁 résultat magnifique comme très souvent avec une grande métrise 😉👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

@@lefouineurdevideoinfoetc..3896 Haha merci, je sais comment me protéger 😅

[@lefouineurdevideoinfoetc..3896]

@@MikeHolton 😁😁👍🏻👍🏻

[@georgestich]

I’m amazed at Mikes hidden talent of sharpening his tools up. That really is an amazing skill in itself. Another remarkable bowl with a grain to get lost in. Excellent.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much George 😀

[@QueenQuill]

This burl is absolutely incredible! The patterns in it are amazing. I also wanted to thank you for leaving in the part of the video where the bowl flew off of the lathe. As an artist myself, I find that people think that I just produce a piece magically out of thin air without any difficulty. I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I could never do that", and because of that mindset, people never try it for themselves. The thing is, even if someone has been honing their craft for a lifetime, mishaps still happen. We're all human, and none of us are perfect. The only failure in mistakes is if you fail to learn from them. So thank you for keeping that bit in your video. I can't wait to see what you do next!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much and I agree completely with what you said. It was a conscious decision from the start to show everything that happens, the good and the bad because this is real life. It is also good to show people that we learn the most when we are faced with problems and by overcoming them we become better at what we do. Thanks as always, Mike 😀

[@frand9174]

I know nothing about wood turning. I just find the process mesmerizing and relaxing to watch. The resulting pieces are always amazing. It takes a true artist to uncover the hidden beauty within a piece of wood created by nature.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

Beautiful wood, spectacular bowl, and no human was harmed in the making of this piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I always try to keep well out the way 😜

[@sherrillsturm7240]

I like you sharing your artistic decision making, checking for balance and workable shapes. Your sang froid when something goes amiss is admirable. It's like, ok, now what to do to fix it? I strive to be that way in my creative projects, but don't always succeed.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Sherrill, these thanks happen and all you can do is carry on and make the best of it 😀

[@LOTGiscool]

Just sitting here admiring the bowl when it flew off the lathe. Wasn't expecting that! But that wood is gorgeous.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@loopinnerthe]

When a poet writes a poem it lives for the reader to soak up the words and unravel the meaning. To seek what it says to them and a guess at understanding what it meant to the author. It is more than the sum of its parts more than letters more than words more than just a story. To me this piece is so complex and beautiful that it probably needs to be touched, appreciated and understood over a significant time. You may have snapped a yellow pencil on it but your poetry shines out from it. Thanks Mike for what you do.

[@MikeHolton]

Love reading your comments and you never fail to bring a smile to my face. All the best my friend, Mike

[@chenjung407ad]

I always love seeing the wobble disappear when you make the outer edge round

[@MikeHolton]

I know what you mean it's a great feeling 😀

[@stuart26feb]

I've just sat and watched this 3 times. Such a beautiful piece. I can not wait to get my woodturning shop back up and running ..

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thanks so much Stuart! I hope you are back behind your lathe soon 😀

[@scottfifer4362]

Such a beautiful bowl! I love burl wood. I must admit, my heart skipped a beat when it went flying, but I figured if it was destroyed, there wouldn’t be a video. I was correct, and I’m very glad it survived with only minor, reparable injuries. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott, as long as it stays in one piece I can repair it 😀

[@kirstenschaney8375]

Amazing wood grain! Just beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Kirsten 😀

[@stucook8622]

Great video! Im glad you didn't get hurt when your piece took leave of the chuck. Thanks for another interesting video.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for watching! All the best, Mike

[@barbfrazier4329]

As a seamstress, my moto was not "can you do it perfectly the first time, but how can you fix a problem that comes up while wotking on it."

[@MikeHolton]

Well said Barb 😀

[@jamescollins798]

Wow, Mike! You started with a beautiful burl and ended up with a beautiful bowl. Well done, I say. Thank you for including the accident. It could have easily been edited out, yet you recovered and it ended up making little difference to the finished product.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks James, I only try to deal with real life so will always show mistakes, accidents etc. It's bets we all learn together 😀

[@judithstanka6471]

Oops?!? I have half a heart attack when it goes flying and you just oops? That must be the famous english understatement... 😲 I´m amazed and now somewhat sad, that no one kept the root part of the giant Thuja, that stood in front of our house when I was a kid. Beautiful work as always!

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks Judith, 'oops' is a common English expletive 😀

[@Raziel1984]

i like how you include your thoughtprocess in the videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I just want to try and share as much of the process as possible 😀

[@kevinwesteneng3778]

Stunning. I have no other words to describe the result

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kevin 😀

[@DavidStillberg]

My heart nearly stopped when the bowl took a tumble - amazed by your calm and wits!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, luckily I have quite a calm nature 😀

[@von-iv1jo]

I love that wood. It's so beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is! 😀

[@bevharrison8157]

Worth every penny in my Book , a gorgeous piece of wood turned into yet another wonderful bowl. Great recovery , my heart skipped a beat when it flew off !!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Bev, the wood is amazing and the rapid exiting of the bowl gave me a bit of a jump as well 😀

[@michaelbirchall2247]

That's a stunning bowl! When I was at school I did some turning in woodworking class, the teacher was very good at turning and showed me a technique where you use the chisel at a certain angle while cutting which causes the back of the chisel to make contact with the wood which smoothes and polishes behind the cut, there was no need to sand. Another sanding tip was to use a handful of the sawdust to press against the piece, which does a great job at sanding and polishing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael, the chisel (skew) method works well but not on this shape that is more for spindle turning, the sawdust method is better (burnishing) and I probably should use this method more. Thanks again, Mike

[@michaelbirchall2247]

@@MikeHolton No worries. Yes the spindle turning makes sense. I was pretty sure you know what I was saying, so was just putting it out there. I really enjoyed your video, and made an audible gasp when the bowl jumped off the lathe. I'm surprised you were so calm about it (at least on video). I'll check out more of your content. Thank you.

[@michaelbirchall2247]

@@MikeHolton By the way; did you say the wood is Thuja? as in Thuja Plicata? (Weston Red Cedar).

[@MikeHolton]

@@michaelbirchall2247 Hi Michael, no it's Thuya as in Tetraclinis articulata 😀

[@countrytxrose]

Another BEAUTIFUL project, love the coloring of the wood. You sir have a talent, skill making things like this with wood

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@tonymazzan6067]

Love the comment when the bowl exited the chuck .... "Oops"

[@MikeHolton]

Haha probably a bit of an understatement lol 😀

[@martinriley106]

The burr bowl looks really stunning it reminds me of burr walnut.

[@MikeHolton]

It's similar but so different to turn

[@benketteridge9150]

What a beauty! And 'oops' was not the phrase I uttered when I saw the 'event' in the middle!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Ben, child friendly as always lol

[@stevefromlondon9175]

What a beautiful piece of wood it has such a rich colour love the design my mouth dropped when the bowl went for a walk thank god it was only minor damage & you made good Regards Steve UK London

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Steve, the bowl making a rapid exit was a bit of a surprise lol 😀

[@MrEsPlace]

I'm a wood carver and learned long ago to work over a large rubber mat 1: for when I inevitably drop something 2: it's soft to stand on

[@MikeHolton]

Luckily I do have soft runner matting now, I put it in just before doing this bowl 😀

[@cobberpete1]

Wow, Definitely different. I'm also a cabinet maker and some woods, like teak are quite oily and give you problems with gluing up. If you give it a good wipe with Acetone, and then allow to dry for a few minutes, draws the immediate wax/ oil out to be able to glue. Maybe worth an experiment in the future to reduce your Sanding frustration. Well done Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for the tips Pete, if I am ever daft enough to buy more I'll give it a go 😀

[@inkytu7]

37:42 I agree with the use of acetone. It seems to dry the surface well enough for glue ups and certainly for sanding and alcohol finishes. I believe the resins will migrate back into the ‘dry’ layer over time. Great project!,

[@MikeHolton]

@@inkytu7 Thanks, I will certainly be trying acetone if I ever get some more. 😀

[@ClickandTurn]

Very, very nice ... a deep and rich burr. 'Wobbliness' - like that term, has a certain ring to it 😁

[@MikeHolton]

Haha being dyslexic words are generally not my friend 😂

[@ClickandTurn]

​@@MikeHoltonmy friend, the word suits the meaning. Not only do I have wobbliness at the lathe, I get it when I get up too quickly as well 😂😂

[@MikeHolton]

@@ClickandTurn 🤣😅

[@vinimarshall7301]

Thats super nice real wood , another lovely piece of art Mike 👍👏👏👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, tough one but happy with the outcome 😀

[@robertboycewoodturningn.c.7838]

Beautiful piece of burl. Well done 👍.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Robert, how's things with you?

[@jasonmontgomery8180]

Wonderful job! I just knew it flew into pieces when it came off the lathe!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Jason, I was lucky this time 😀

[@michaelglackin2420]

Thanks for that Mike it's so simple when you see it great job ,thanks Michael

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael 😁

[@johntartaglia2672]

Love all of your pieces. They are museum quality!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much John 😀

[@EightBitTony]

Heart in my mouth when it jumped!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha mine too 😀

[@CJyoumark456]

That is truly an amazing piece of tree. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@andreweastwood862]

Smashing piece of turning, and I love the way you share the design struggle, as there are always so many options. The design you ended up with was stunning and really suited the wood. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Andrew, glad you liked it 😀

[@lynnrogers-zx5yp]

So many decisions to make while doing this. I wouldn’t know where to begin. You did such a wonderful job. It’s beautiful…. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Lynn, it was certainly an interesting turn 😀

[@jeanlong4285]

Absolutely gorgeous. Great job

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Jean 😊

[@martinriley106]

My heart sunk when that came off the lathe.

[@MikeHolton]

Mine too !

[@charlesrivers4393]

Well Done. Thanks for taking us along.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it, all the best, Mike 😀

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

That burl would look amazing as veneer on furniture!

[@MikeHolton]

yes it would 😀

[@convon712]

Most beautiful piece of natural wood I've ever seen.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you!

[@spiritwynd]

Beautiful piece of wood made into a beautiful bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, any idea on a good way to sand this? 🤣

[@andrewhall1693]

Simply stunning work Mike ....well done and thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Andrew 😁 all the best, Mike

[@anthonyvilgiate6711]

that is such a lovely piece Mike! I do love watching your style and dedication to craft and clear explanation of the steps you take! Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Anthony, and thanks for your continued support, all the best, Mike 😀

[@snufflepig60]

What a lovely piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@JMcdon1627]

I nearly had a heart attack when the bowl took flight. Now I can breathe again. Beautiful wood. You are a true craftsman.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you do much, all the best, Mike

[@_Dolarhyde_]

I really appreciate your videos, which help me to de-stress. I could have done without the ‘jump scare’ in this one, but kudos for handling it with zen-like calm! Beautiful work, as always.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I'm sorry about that one, next time I'll try to add a warning lol. But honestly thanks so much for your kind words, all the best, Mike

[@annstevens1274]

Wonderful piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Ann ☺️

[@cudamank]

Amazing piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😀

[@OlJarhead]

Beautiful piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much!

[@cathymcguire368]

Gorgeous, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Cathy 😀

[@ianlee9755]

Absolutely beautiful piece, nicely done Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Ian 😄

[@sverresteinsland5582]

Good job! Looks amazing!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Sverre

[@debraculbertson3915]

Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Debra 😊

[@meredithnavin1358]

Looking forward to seeing this!

[@MikeHolton]

Hope you like it! 😀

[@StephenM67]

Beautiful piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Stephen 😀

[@mandkventures4591]

Absolutely beautiful bowl!! Great job and great save!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@stevekrupa6209]

Outstanding!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like it! Mike 😀

[@michaelmcdermott2178]

After watching this, I don't believe I'll be turning any Thuya burl, but I sure am glad you did! You're a better man than I. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Michael, all the best, Mike 😀

[@pathaselwood4961]

A gorgeous piece of wood…. Great work…

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😃

[@user-hy5rb7wo9v]

What a beautiful bowl. A wonderful piece!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Al 😀

[@ndavidson1980]

Love that, it’s so beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@simon54131]

Take beautiful piece of wood, add great skill, and you get a an amazing piece of work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Simon, you are very kind

[@user-qu9kh1md8b]

My heart dropped when it came of the chuck but amazing finish well done 👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott, it certainly exited the lathe at a fair rate!! 😂

[@user-qu9kh1md8b]

@MikeHolton please keep up with the videos you have got me back into turning 👍

[@MikeHolton]

@@user-qu9kh1md8b I will always do my best Scott 😀

[@mattclutterbuck9318]

Very beautiful bowl very art deco I could see this sitting on captains table on the best 1920 cruise ship

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Matt, I think you are right 👍

[@jonathanpennington5211]

Nicely done as always

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks again Jonathan, this one is so pretty! 😀

[@WormholeNavigator]

That's wild! Right when it flew off, I was thinking that it was going to. I couldn't believe it when it did. I once had a state judge's gavel fly off the lathe at high speed. Somehow, I anticipated it and caught it behind and above my head. This is one reason we always wear face protection.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow that's some skills with the catch! Never turn without face protection 👍

[@WormholeNavigator]

@MikeHolton this is such an amazing piece you've made. What is the hardest wood you have ever turned? I'm about to attempt Ipe drumsticks this month. Not for a video or anything. I'm thinking I'll be sharpening a little more than normal. I l'm pretty sure your piece dropped because you started thinning the "pyramid" of soft wood that was able to support the pressure applied. You could have done that with a harder wood for sure. Man... I just love your channel

[@huberthicks9080]

Worth every penny, Mike. Gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Hubert 😀

[@AnimalWhisper007]

Love this piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@3pawmom]

That is spectacular and your recovery from an oops is great!!!!

[@markdesautels4764]

Beautiful piece. The wood grain is gorgeous.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is! Thanks Mark 😀

[@PHIL_S]

Burl - so nice - thanks for sharing your work!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Phil, all the best, Mike 😀

[@robertkurilla7859]

That is a very gorgeous piece of wood and your workmanship again is like a piece of art out of all the videos I’ve watched. I loved all the bowls. I don’t think you made an ugly bowl yet Another job well done thank you for the videos

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert, there is one of mine that springs to mind as being ugly but then again beauty is always in the eye of the beholder 😀 All the best, Mike

[@normangreenwell2425]

Stunning piece of wood Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Norman 😁

[@ronkiskowoodart9680]

Stunning bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ron 😀

[@Ted_P]

From free wood last week to the most expensive this week. Your videos are awesome. I agree with the other commenters. You handled the “bit of a tumble” with grace. It came out amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Ted, I try to mix it up a bit 😀

[@jimflinn8305]

Another beautiful piece 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim 😀

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Gorgeous piece. Oily woods like that I’ve been told to wash it down with acetone before sanding or gluing. Don’t know if that would have helped or not, but it wouldn’t have hurt. Super job. Hope your heart has returned to normal rhythm after it jumped off the chuck.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for the tip Doug, I was hoping someone would give me a clue how to deal with it lol, all the best, Mike 😀

[@johnfrary5386]

Love the wood and the design, being a Yorkshireman I wouldn't sleep if I paid £150 and turned away £50s worth😊😊. Another great turn.

[@MikeHolton]

My parents were both born in Sheffield so I certainly echo the sentiment lol

[@JOHNSmith-pn6fj]

That is an amazing piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks John 😀

[@chagildoi]

Such a beautiful piece, well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@danielpaquette1597]

For tough to sand wood, I have found using a card scraper works well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Daniel, I wish I had thought of that earlier lol 😀

[@spiderspid]

Stunning piece , and one of my favourite go to shapes/style , really pleased you went that way 👍👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😊

[@mlkin3169]

absolutely beautiful piece of work

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much!

[@loisstump5990]

Breathtaking!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lois 😀

[@GregoryWeirauch]

Wow, just WOW!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gregory 😀

[@nickyt3269]

beautiful piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nicky 😀

[@robertwilson54]

Another beautiful piece, what a craftsmanship

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Robert 😊

[@amandavandermerwe7035]

What a magnificent bowl! Best one yet, love love love!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Amanda 😀, all the best, Mike

[@thudtwack]

Magnificent, Bravo!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Harold 😀