MIND-BLOWING Grain Uncovered: The Magic Inside Apple Burl - woodturning project

[@Jaydaydesign]

Absolutely stunning An alternative for filling the cracks. For fine cracks. Mix CA glue with Instant or finely ground coffee. For larger areas: alternate filling the void with coarse coffee grounds and dampening them with CA glue building layers. For adding colour to the above. Add a bit of mica powder. For an inexpensive and fun experiment ( I use this on many projects) Try adding nail polish to CA glue. both are acetone based, mix well and often take a good polish when cured ( test each one out first to make sure) . All the crazy sparkly colours that people don’t buy end up in the bargain bin at the pharmacy or department store. Another interesting thing to try is making your own top coat glossy lacquer. In a jar that is half full of acetone, tear up and add bits of polystyrene and let it dissolve each time till until it can’t absorb any more then just paint it on. And you are repurposing something that would otherwise take 100 years to break down in landfill…

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Jay, I absolutely love the idea of repurposed polystyrene!!! I'm currently away for a few days so in order I don't lose this post I have pinned it and will investigate when I get home. Thanks so much!!!

[@tammyparo3279]

That heart going throughout is just stunning and I do love the section that's naturally open. Well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Tammy 😀

[@debbiedaniels2390]

I must say I enjoy the process of finding out what you are going to do with the wood and how you overcome any “obstacles” or unexpected issues to produce such stunning pieces. Thank you for sharing the journey!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Debbie, so glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@blue8ify]

I love how you “sympathetically proceed”! That grain is beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@patembry6625]

What an amazing transformation from what your started with. Love it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Pat 😀

[@stephenwilcox201]

Wow that wood so beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen 😀

[@EightBitTony]

Amazing Mike! Keep us up-to-date on the piece, every piece of apple I've turned has cracked more after a day or so. There's something about it that holds a lot of stress, and turning even dry wood results in it splitting afterwards!

[@MikeHolton]

I will do Tony, I fully expect this one to crack further 😊

[@cheryldavies5078]

I admire your bravery when you say “I’ve never used xxxxx before, so we will try this together”. You know it could fail badly, but are not afraid to be seen - and, to be fair, it usually works! 🤓 Amazing outcome.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Cheryl, all I want to do is inspire people to just have a go, it really does not matter if you succeed or fail its taking that step which is most important. 😀

[@deborahackroyd1036]

I absolutely love watching you work and the process you go through. This piece is absolutely stunning 😊❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Deborah 😊

[@nicholaskrest]

I love how you can take us all on a journey as a novice uv user and hollow former and come out as a seasoned professional. Gorgeous result.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Nicholas, I think I got lucky on this one 😅

[@RattiDave]

The grain is … unique … to say the least. And the choice of green for the resin was inspired! Well done, sir. «grin»

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Dave 😊

[@cazdough6565]

Absolutely the most beautiful and interesting turnings I've ever seen on the internet, the shape, the live edges, the cracks with the green resin, and the MOSS , wow Mike its gorgeous! Well done! 🎆🎆🎆🎆🎆🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MikeHolton]

WOW, thanks so much Caz!! 😊

[@Vidmir69]

A prime example of how to turn fire wood into a work of beauty. Well done Mike, keep up the great work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Vidmir 😃

[@stephenleader-s9x]

What a beautiful piece of art work. As for the cracks, they are part of the natural beauty of the wood, just like the wrinkles on an older woman.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@bettybryson9637]

Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Betty 😀

[@birdhunter2008]

What an awesome piece of wood . And you turned it into a PC of art . Great video .

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jeff, I appreciate it 😀

[@elisabethroberts3650]

This is one of the most gorgeous pieces you have created. The simplicity of the form reveals each dimension of the apple wood, and I love how the green resin echoes the moss. Welcome back!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Elisa 😀

[@michalcoston3949]

thank you for not dying it green . really love that hollow form !!!!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Michal 😊

[@donaldadams5342]

Well, I have never seen a burl with grain like this one Mike. Possibly a lot of woodturners may be disappointed that they did not come across this one before you. It is truly amazing to look at. I kept saying to myself when you were first trying to work out what you would turn, hollow for Mike, hollow form. I know I had no effect but I do feel that the hollow form you have produced is pe2rfect for this particular burl. Thanks for sharing & I'm glad you had a good holiday. Cheers, Don from South Australia.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Don, I knew if I took my time with the turning the right form would come out. With regards to the grain, someone suggested that it could have been from where a graft would have been made on root stock.

[@geraldsimon3268]

Just gorgeous

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gerald 😀

[@geoffcampbell7846]

Marvellous. A stunning effect with the colour differences across the piece. The final product would make a lovely centre piece in any location. Thanks for sharing. 👋

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Geoff 😊

[@petershipman7314]

Love it great job 🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Peter 😊

[@marcowischt45]

I‘ve got lots of those burls because here at the lake of constance where i‘m from is an apple region. Those burls are the point where they mix different apple species by combining the roots of one species with the top of another and thats why the grain looks so unusual. Love this wood too. Nice piece that you made out of it i‘ve done a similar bowl but i have the smaller cone like side as the bottom 😂

[@MikeHolton]

Wow thanks so much for the info, makes sense 😃

[@OldMtnGeezer]

Absolutely lovely little piece, Mike. Well done! I'm often dismayed at how much valuable wood is lost in the turning process in order to reveal the nugget hidden within - and in most cases, ultimately justified. Here you've kept material loss to a minimum and maximized the potential of what you started with. And the result is downright stunning. 👍 (Greetings from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! I really enjoy your videos.)

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend 😀

[@booradley4237]

The green just looks like natural moss, love it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@barryrankin587]

Beautiful piece!! Love that you left some of the natural elements of the burl. Glad you had a great family holiday.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barry, some thing are better just left 😊

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike. Glad you had a good holiday - and welcome back. And what a treat for your return. Although the drill reminded me of a recent trip to the dentist! But your outcome was much nicer than mine. You got a beautiful hollow form, I got a filling! But it really is a lovely piece which you are right to keep for yourself. Enjoy it for many years to come.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Angela, I'm not a fan of the dentist!!! 😀

[@GailRobertson-l2c]

Beautiful piece, the shape is lovely and the wood is stunning. Im not usually a fan of leaving the bark on but this does enhance this piece. Congratulations on your first hollowform

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Gail 😃

[@rogerjohnston9545]

Outstanding❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roger 😁

[@matildafishes9931]

What a lovely hollow form! The green was a pretty touch. I would keep it if I had made it, too! Great work, Mike. It's always nice to see your smiling face. I'm glad your holiday was a good one!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Matilda, I'm trying to get more used to looking into a camera without getting stage fright lol 😂

[@matildafishes9931]

@MikeHolton You come across very natural, so I'd say, keep it going! I really enjoy your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

@@matildafishes9931 Thanks Matilda, I'm just having fun and so glad people seem to enjoy it as well 😊

[@randyfritchman2867]

Great little apple burl. U V resin is our friend.

[@MikeHolton]

It sure is! ,😁

[@RenaLarson61]

Mike, it's absolutely stunning, I'm so happy you left it so natural and I have to say the green uv resin works great with the wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rena, glad you liked it 😊

[@82ndairbornevet]

Nicely done Mike! What a beautiful piece for a hollow form, and I am so very partial to the burls! Glad you and the family had a nice holiday and are back safe and sound. Cheers!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@mikemcmillan4770]

Awesome!! Most inspiring!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mike 😃

[@simon54131]

Glad you had a good holiday. What a piece to come back to, amazing grain and great work to produce a lovely piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Simon, loved this challenge, just what I needed 😀

[@peterthornton8520]

Another great piece. The contrast between the dark and light areas complements the shape especially with bits of bark retained. Very nice Mike. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Peter 😀

[@StephenBoyd21]

It is certainly a very artistic piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen 😀

[@lonegunwomen]

A really interesting item, love finished product beautiful grain and markings.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@WhiskeyDale]

Apple Burl is outstanding. I have never seen one of them before

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, not a lot about, I was lucky to get this one 😀

[@williamfawkes8379]

I'm happy for you. It's not every day that a burl will be as agreeable as this one. Quite often, burls manage to put the bark inclusions in all the parts that you need to be whole. This, it looks amazing. My wife has done some things with UV resin, and it is very nice to be able to lay in a thin layer, cure it, and immediately continue layering. The most important thing I could add is that they aren't all the same, so once you find one that works for you, fine tune your process with that one. In my mind, color is such a personal thing, and it can do amazing stuff for a piece of wood to bring out contrast. But it can only be natural once.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for your thoughts and tips William, really appreciate it 😊

[@williamfawkes8379]

@MikeHolton the last burl I worked with was Hickory, and after all the excitement, it ended up wanting to look like an ashtray. It's a lovely place to lay your car keys, but I wanted it to be a bit more 3 dimensional. Alas, the deck was stacked against my efforts. Lathe work is relatively new to me, my experience is more in the hand. With traditional tools and dremel/ etc. I love watching all of the ways that you come up with to work around problems. It's great learning for me as well.

[@MikeHolton]

@@williamfawkes8379 Thanks William, this is what I hope to achieve with my video's I want to share my progress so hopefully we can all learn together 😊

[@k9insomniac783]

To this day, and with the time when I began turning til the present day, a reasonably simple round apple bowl is my very favorite piece I’ve ever turned. Apple is easily my favorite wood to turn and the character of it is astounding. What you have there my dear brother is a rarity. Apple burl here is as easy to find as a two headed unicorn. Excellent piece my friend. And thank the God in heaven above that you did NOT dye that apple. I wouldnt have given you any grief about that at all…. Maybe!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks so much!! I'm just so glad I did not dye it, it would have been a massacre lol, take care brother 😃

[@shelleygreer915]

Super amazing wood grain -- beautiful! I've seen others use UV resin on other channels, and yes, they do it in fairly thin layers... I don't think they use sealer first... First time I've ever seen a purely wood hollow form... I love how relaxed you are about going through the wood like that, desiring it even. Your approach leads to an excellent learning experience. Thank you.😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Shelley, very important no to rush with pieces like this 😊

[@rayworstine4399]

Good morning, Mike. Absolutely gorgeous. You brought out the best in this piece. I have zero experience with UV resin. Your example here was very well done and gives us possibilities for uses. Excellent! Ray

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Ray 😀

[@DPerney1]

Wonderful.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Dawn 😊

[@elainecooksey5338]

Another stunning piece. Thank you Mike. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you too Elaine 😊

[@sylviamaunder3409]

That’s stunning. A wonderful piece of art. Like you I’m amazed at the grain. I see things on this channel that I’ve never imagined existed. Thank you.😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Sylvia, I work hard to try and find unusual wood to turn 😀

[@charleskaleta223]

Another great and entertaining turn!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Charles 😀

[@barbannco]

beautiful....lovely grain

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Barb 😀

[@fishslayer8533]

That is awesome what a fun piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@LMcAwesome]

Great video Mike. Really enjoyed the final form. Your vision was really nice. I have to say I was crying out about 5 mins in for you to just leave it in the moss-covered egg shape!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha it would have been cool 😂

[@scottfonner]

Interesting project, and a fun one!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Scott, I loved ever second and most of the hollowing lol 😊

[@Peter_R996]

That is another amazing piece. Really well done with it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@alflington420]

Wow...just wow. What a stunning piece of art. Great work Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Alf😀

[@billkroulek3814]

Beutiful piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bill 🙂

[@_zhawkeye_9808]

...stunning...and well done on the hollow form!...haven't tried that yet...🤔 As far as dying green?...I'm sure it still would've turned out amazing...different, but still amazing...and the commenters may have questioned it, but would likely praise the result...you do you, as your work is awesome...👍 Matt

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it 😀

[@fryeguy9939]

Mike. I'm a big fan of unique pieces of art , and this is truly a unique piece !!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@nikkiewhite476]

I love that you are using the UV resin for the cracks and yes you have to do very thin layers. That hollow form is stunning! I am almost jealous you got to work with it.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Nikkie, it is pretty amazing wood! 😀

[@leonebritt4879]

Beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Leone 😃

[@littlewindow7146]

Love this one! Wonderful result! I look forward to your videos every week. :)

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@Lis.E.H]

It is a beautiful piece of wood

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Lis 😊

[@edwardukleja4583]

Congratulations on another good looking piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Edward 😊

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, that was a delicate turning which you made look easy. Your nerves must have been on edge the thinner you turned the wall. Spectacular grain patterns and the green UV resin worked well for the cracks. Thanks for the video looking forward to the next one.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Roy 😊

[@LuannYoumans-ec5fc]

Beautiful piece, really nice choice using the apple green in the cracks

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Luann 😊

[@racheldray1057]

I love the way you let the wood dictate the final product, what a stunning grain and that green resin is perfect with the moss and the grain. How will the moss fare, do you think? Will it stay green for a long time or die now the shellac etc is on it? Finally, you have amazing skills hollowing that out by feel! I have no idea how you go the thickness right!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, no idea about the moss but I'll keep you informed. Thickness is just a guess lol you can only do so much 😊

[@mgh1675]

Apple burl is amazing. Good job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it really is 😊

[@marycranford708]

I LOVE this!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary, me too 😃

[@albertdawson6814]

Very nice Mike. Also a very enjoyable video. Thank you for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Albert 😀

[@CarlLong-m4g]

Mike, I like it I think. TBH I'm not much for Hollow forms, but is so different and such amazing wood. I feel like the wood is saying something to us, if we will only slow down and listen. I keep you and Jim Sprague in my prayers as I watch all the wildfires is Canada & the US. Be safe my friend. Glad you are trying new things.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Carl, they are reporting on the wild fires over here in the UK, they are terrible!!

[@lisagriger5261]

That is beautiful! The dark color is gorgeous! Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome Lisa 😊

[@beverlym5465]

Love it! ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Beverly 😊

[@rogerpearson6232]

Really amazing. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Roger 😊

[@robertwilson54]

Another excellent piece it look’s superb

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert 😃

[@stucook8622]

Great video...repairing something and turning it into a work of art is always a form of wonderment to me. Glad you had fun on your holiday despite losing some blood to the mozies...peace and thanks.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Stu 😃

[@louisjackson4634]

Stunning Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Louis 😄

[@kathleenrobson1803]

Beautiful 😁

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you Kathleen 😊

[@jimdownhour5224]

I really like that shape!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim, it has lived in my brain for a while now, nice to get it out 😀

[@Audie1234]

So nice. Lovely ❤🎉

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 🤗

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

So great the way you didn't rush the design. You let the wood speak to you, as always . Beautiful work!! Welcome back and glad you had a refreshing trip. ☺️

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Cynthia😀

[@mikew2468]

Welcome back Mike. What a lovely hollow form and interesting to see uv resin on action

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Mike 😀

[@Richard-in-NC]

A nice hollow form. Job well done. I like the green UV resin.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Richard 😃

[@zzota]

Beautiful piece. Maybe the best you've done!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you! 😃

[@geraldsimon3268]

Like your choice of green

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@PatGreevy]

That's a beautiful piece of work very skilled I love it

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@chrispaine5551]

Love the grain in the apple burr looks great another great project complete lots learnt

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris, I learned so much from this as well, love that we can do it together 😊

[@alanneel2749]

Beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😀

[@christopherhodge7808]

I like it 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Christopher 😀

[@johnbrereton4756]

Apple burls are great when hollowed out and used as a lamp shade if you but different colored epoxey in the cracks and finish in shalac. I can't keep up with people asking for them. You have done this burl proud great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😃

[@vdubboy85225]

Glad to hear your holiday was amazing. What a beautiful piece. Makes me think of a bonsai bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Beautiful work. 👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

@@MikeHolton you’re welcome.

[@crackerjack3359]

Really nice piece. I've had the same issues as you with UV resin. The first time I used it I thought it was great until I hollowed out behind it and it was runny. It is more time consuming than I imagined. I have found the darker the wood the thinner the layers need to be. It takes mica powder well, is economical, and the small bottles go a long way. In apiece like this the cracks can be a feature just like your cavity on the side at the top. My go to filler these days is either coffee or brass. They are much quicker to do, I think stronger, and look great in different parts of the wood. Having said that I still use UV for surface cracks when appropriate. Just another tool in the tool box.!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much for your thoughts, like you say, another useful tool, always good to have 😊

[@JohnHoatson-pq4kk]

What a lovely piece of variable grain no need to stain at all. Very nice idea. Good job. JC.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks JC 😁

[@matthewking2209]

Beautiful Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Matt 😊

[@debramacnabb1704]

wow buddy like always you did a awesome job on the wood it truly stands out so glad that you and yours had a great time memories are what keeps the family together

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Debra, I quite agree, possessions are nothing when compared to happy times 😃

[@ronflynt465]

looks amazing !

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ron 😁

[@micheleheddane3804]

Welcome back Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michele 😀

[@jonnyglucose72]

Thank you for a wonderful demonstration of letting the natural beauty of the wood define the shape. Well done, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😄

[@christinecampbell7404]

Looking good 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks very much Christine 😃

[@joepucciariello1016]

Looks Beautiful mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Joe 😊

[@Radcon-2222]

Very nice piece. Great work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@nicooosthoek1502]

Beautiful hollow form.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀