The Danger of Taming A Treacherous Burl - Woodturning Project Exposed

Embark on a thrilling woodworking endeavour as I tackle the daunting task of transforming a piece of Sycamore Burl into a captivating bowl. Acquired on a whim from an eBay purchase, this burl presented a multitude of challenges with its bark inclusions, adding an element of uncertainty to the turning process. Join me as I navigate the delicate balance between risks and rewards, striving to reveal the inherent beauty hidden within this imperfect wood.
With hindsight I would have given this to the amazing Phil Anderson ‪@PhilAndersonShadyAcresWoodshop‬ to see what he could have done with this, I mention Phil at the end of the video. If you have not watched his video's I urge you to do so, he has inspired me so much on my turning journey.
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

[@jsprankel4712]

With the title of this video, I was expecting the piece to fly across the room! Great job Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, not this time, I got lucky 😂, all the best, Mike

[@mirimeijers9053]

Love this bowl just as it is. It reminds me that we can still hold our shape even if we have some problems :-)

[@MikeHolton]

haha I love that thought 😃

[@lornacy]

Oooh, well put!

[@susanburrows5288]

I'm glad you think this piece was worth the risk. I think the inclusions and bark edge are a big part of what makes it an attractive piece, *I'm* glad you did it.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Susan, I know there was a risk but it was a calculated one and we'll worth the effort.

[@fionanaylor6104]

Well that had my heart in my mouth…I was expecting it to disintegrate 😬 good job. 👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Fiona, me too, not quite sure how I got away with this one, but I'm glad I did lol 😃

[@walshjp17]

Considering the condition of that burl at the start, that is one gorgeous bowl. Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It was one of those pieces I was desperate to turn even though I know what could happen.

[@bevharrison8157]

Have to say I was holding my breath until you got to sanding .just love the beauty of nature , well done and thanks for sharing . 😅

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bev, I know just how you feel, the moment I started sanding I knew we were safe 😂

[@lornacy]

Count me as one of the viewers on tenterhooks until the sanding! This one is really, really appealing ☺️ I like all your projects, but somehow this is one of the special ones.

[@CiCis_Mom]

Love how you left it as natural as possible. Beautiful bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Elizabeth, the wood grain and 'extra' features spoke for themselves it did not need me messing about with it. 😃

[@Halscamp]

I love these types of turnings, I call these the ODD pieces, part is natural and you open up different things hiding inside for future display

[@MikeHolton]

That's a good name for them, I like most of what I find inside bowls with the odd exception 😆

[@williamweaver4946]

Glad to see this burl wasn't cursed like the last one. Great job turning that piece without a catastrophe. Looks very nice with all that live edge.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, there is like edge all over, even where you don't ever want to see it 😆

[@dustycornerscalgary2208]

Beautiful piece, the history of the tree’s life is shown on what you’ve uncovered. Splendid job you’ve done !thanks for sharing with us

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dusty, I love the way this one came out 😃

[@jonnyglucose72]

Love your channel. Yes, Phil does a lot of this kind of work. What it shows Tao me is the inherent beauty of Nature. We need to spend more time revealing this beauty.

[@MikeHolton]

I completely agree Johnny 😀

[@lv_woodturner3899]

Gorgeous wood and bowl. As you said, good that the turning "gods" allowed the piece to hold together without having to go down the epoxy path. Well done. Some years ago the local turning club had a demonstration of routing butterfly inlays to stabilize pieces with large cracks. As you can imagine the challenge is holding the router in position to rout the butterfly shape. Keep this in mind for a future project. The butterflys do look really good, just a lot of work in setup. Dave.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave, I've always been too scared to try a butterfly, I will have a go someday but may need a little practice first. Although saying that I do have a piece of wood coming from Norway that may just need it. All the best Mike

[@cdjbkl3]

Phil and you both never cease to amaze me at what you can pull out of seeming messes!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, thanks! That's quite a compliment being mentioned in the same sentence at Phil, all the best, Mike

[@MaryHyso]

It’s gorgeous. Can be a bowl to greet you and bring you joy and to admire as it catches small items like your car keys as you come into the house.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary 😀

[@michaelfelixb1316]

Die Schale sieht trotz der Probleme gut aus 👏👍

[@MikeHolton]

Danke, ich bin nur froh, dass es in einem Stück geblieben ist.

[@Tremorwoodworks]

This one surprised me; I was sure that it was going to come apart at some point. Yes, I'm sure Phil would have loved to have a crack at it.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, just a matter of when not if.... I got lucky! 😃

[@AlienLeader4]

Amazingly done bowl. Keep up the great work. 👽

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I will certainly do my best.

[@karengilchrist9774]

Amazing that you were able to pull that off. I kept expecting it to fly apart at any moment.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too Karen, I have never been so happy to reach the sanding part lol 😃

[@chrisjohnston2449]

you had me at Phil Anderson. He is my go to guy. Loved watching you create this beauty

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Chris, I love watching Phil, he has and still is such a great source of inspiration

[@tomburns7544]

Wow! Bravo, Mike! I love the contrast of the smooth beautiful bits next to the raw rough stuff. 👍!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tom, this is about as natural as it gets lol😃

[@MoleValleyMaker]

I think Phil would play his "I'm too old for this" as he's done that on a few videos that had ring shake which is similar in danger level to what you had. I do think the same though when I have an "odd" piece. Turned out great!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I'll have to play the "I'm nearly too old for this" card soon 😆

[@mashmade-airth]

All through the video I kept thinking ' please don't cave in'. Really pleased to see that it didn't & that you turned a very pretty bowl from an awkward piece of wood. Nice work Mike 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, me too, I was ok until I saw that huge bark inclusion running through the centre, it was a little scary while I cleared it 😂

[@STMwoodturning]

Phil would be proud! Nice job!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! wonder what he would have done with it.

[@STMwoodturning]

@@MikeHolton probably similar to what you did.

[@annlaurie1484]

I was holding my breath waiting for it to separate the whole way through. Well done for persisting. 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ann, I had just the same feelings, not sure how I got away with it 😃

[@lindapratt1824]

I would have given up with that. It looked really tricky. Credit to you for finishing it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Linda, it went far smoother than I ever thought it would 😃

[@79Firegirl]

Very surprisingly beautiful 👌🥰

[@MikeHolton]

haha, that comment made me laugh but I know what you mean, it has a very natural appeal 😃

[@Angela-en6oh]

Hello Mike, yet another fantastic result - it is absolutely gorgeous. I do like the way you share your thought processes while you work. As a non-turner, (just someone who loves wood in all its forms), I find that really helpful, especially when there is the potential for real problems. And as to Phil …. He would love what you have created.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Angela, thanks so much for your kind words. I want to share what I'm thinking so hopefully people can engage more with the process and get something from it. I love wood in all it's forms as well, I'm a tactile person, so to me, how something feels is as important as how it looks.

[@johnbuchanan578]

Now that was a challenging project, what an amazing result.

[@MikeHolton]

Yes it was, I had no idea if it would just all fall apart! 😃

[@DennisMoyer-he6yw]

Well done my friend. I didn't think you would be able to pull that one off but, you did a fantastic job. I will be looking for more of your work.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks Dennis, I have a new video out today at 3, all the best, Mike 😀

[@razmatazmania1]

What a beautiful piece of art. Phil would be proud!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@ivanbukh7576]

Красивое дерево, красивое видео, красивая работа!!! Эх, мне бы такое!

[@MikeHolton]

Спасибо, мой друг, я очень доволен тем, как это получилось.

[@Audie1234]

❤So nice! At one point, I thought it would crumble. I appreciate how you said at the beginning that using resin would be a last resort. I'm a fan of Phil Anderson, too!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Audie, some pieces need resin others don't, it's all down to personal preference 😊

[@albertdawson6814]

I think Phil is saying I love it. This video was also very enjoyable Mike. Thank you for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Albert, all the best, Mike

[@marybethhuson295]

Yes, it is a very lovely bowl! It’s full of so much natural beauty! Excellent job of showcasing what nature has created❤I’m sure Phil would agree!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary, that's so nice of you to say 😃

[@mikehorning4060]

You sir, are a genius! I really didn't think this was going to be a successful turn. (Hence the video name). Beautiful....well done. Really a true piece of artwork.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mike 😀

[@SilverBack.]

Spectacular bowl, well done on finishing it Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend, I love this bowl and I know I got lucky

[@davecrawford4418]

Nice job! I agree with several other commenters that Phil would be pleased. A "perfect" piece of wood can make for a nice bowl,,, but a :crappy" piece can be much more interesting. And more challenging.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave and I quite agree, I have 100's of 'perfect' wood blanks ready to turn but I keep reaching for the ones I hope will give me a thrill. I love the unknown! 😃

[@timsylvester9027]

Very well done, I too am surprised that it stayed together. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tim, must admit I was convinced it was going to go which was way I took so many safety precautions 😃

[@stonecutteruk]

Just watched you turn that burl bowl .your a magician to even get it like that .love the work .keep it up

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I think I got lucky with this one, it could have gone bad so very quickly.

[@jwrowland77]

Very nice. I was a bit on edge there watching this. Lol 😂. Didn’t know if it was gonna let go or not.

[@MikeHolton]

You and me both, when I hit the layer of bark through the middle I know I have a 50 50 chance of making it to the end lol

[@andreweastwood862]

Smashing bit of turning; loved the video and the finished bowl. Excellent

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew, I'm not always that lucky, glad you enjoyed it. All the best, Mike

[@jimswift7228]

Well done on completing this one, looks good. Got to admit I would have consigned this one to the bin, must learn not to give up too easily!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jim, must admit I did not see the bark inclusions when I was bidding on it, but coming from Yorkshire blood, I was dam sure I was getting my monies worth 😆

[@Will-am-i]

A gorgeous natural piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I do love the way this turned out 😀

[@rexmorgan6445]

You have nerves of steel. I don’t think I would even try.

[@MikeHolton]

Nope, just a thick skull 😃

[@maxkangen]

Both you and I love Phil Anderson and his shady acres, his voice is wonderfully hypnotic and I watch all his videos, you are doing a great job as well. What training have you had. I am self taught and watching videos. I also enjoy ``worth the effort`` as he also teaches as well makes some wonderful pieces.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Max, live you I'm self taught as well and also watch worth the effort, really good channel for learning

[@rickharem5788]

Well Mike, it stayed in one piece and looks great.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rick, I got a bit lucky with this one 😃

[@gregdownunderinOz]

Yes that was a rather interesting turning and thanks for sharing. Good video and excellent result. Phil would certainly have loved the original piece of wood, I wonder what he would have done, certainly different to this as he likes to leave as much natural wood there as possible.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Greg, indeed, he would have put a foot on the base and take a bowl out the middle leaving the rest intact 😃

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Beautiful bowl. So nicely done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Doug, looks like you don't have far to go to get to your 1000! Well done my friend!

[@spiritwynd]

Beautiful bowl Mike! It's very much Phil quality!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! That is nice of you to say 😃

[@nickfritz8692]

Well done I thought for sure it would separate but it turned out nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, I thought it was just a case of when not if! I got lucky 😃

[@frankashworth5961]

You were making me quite anxious in the 7-8 minute period, when I watched you pulling your tool & body, beyond the inclusions and bark layers! Them be bullets! Justa waitin' ta git ya pardner. 😬👨‍🌾

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Frank, by that time I had realised that the solid wood inside would hold the bowl together, the hollowing out was the time of real peril and I kept well to the side 😀

[@dalebrittenham1823]

You were braver than I would have been with that piece of wood..... Good job....

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dale, replace brave with daft and you will be a bit closer 😃

[@mikehooper3392]

Looks fantastic it does make you wonder what Phil would have done

[@MikeHolton]

If Phil had any sense he would have put it on the fire 😃, no idea how I got away with it.

[@mikemcmillan4770]

Nice of that bark to hold together like that. I would have been quite scared!

[@MikeHolton]

Must admit I was a little nervous about it 😀

[@timcass2043]

Beautiful work! Beautiful but scary blank. Nicely done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Tim, I had my fingers crossed the whole time 😁

[@ameliamorison3616]

I absolutely love this piece

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Amelia

[@82ndairbornevet]

Mike, I wasn’t quite sure how much of a bowl you were going to get out of that with all the inclusions 😂 but you managed ! I hope you’re able to get your shop up and running soon.

[@MikeHolton]

It went way better than I could have hoped for. Sorting out is going well but still a couple of day away from turning I think

[@davidbaxter5132]

Oh Mike, I need a cup of tea to calm me down! I was 'on edge' throughout the video; would you manage to keep it 'edge on'? Would you manage to keep it on the lathe at all?? A great job, great skills, Sir (and Yes, I hope Phil sees this - the blank was certainly in the style of 'one of his' !) A lovely bowl indeed.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, I was on edge all the way through as well, never been so happy to start sending at the end, I got lucky 😃

[@jimbrock8928]

It stayed together amazing does shellac flakes go bad I have some couple yrs old , u did a great job and I follow Phil all times

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Jim, the flakes will last a good long time as long as its stored in a cool dry location. Phil has inspired me so much.

[@peterthornton8520]

I think it is a bowl with character. Live edge, Natural blemishes (Bark Inclusions), Nearly a Bowl with attitude. I think a great result considering initial thoughts. Well done. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, I'm just so glad I got to the end before the attitude tore it apart 😂

[@deehenry1983]

I quite like this one, and i am very curious for the next vid! take care!

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Dee, thanks and I predict the next one is going to divide the public. Some will love it some will hate it, but I promise it is very different! All the best, Mike

[@brentbeacroft7530]

I'd call that piece, Dodging the Bullet. Well done Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Brent, I would say that is a very accurate name for this lol 😃

[@nanalefevre3670]

Very nice, loved watching this one !

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@Ted_P]

This came out stunning! I’m glad you were brave and turned this. I really like how you avoided epoxy on this one. Although I like epoxy/wood creations, I think it can be used as a crutch. Then bin, the one you did with resin came out well too. Nice work, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ted, I don't mind resin, it's fun to turn but it is very time consuming and so expensive! 😃

[@juliebarker1531]

very reminisent of what Phil would do. I like what you did here

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Julie, I did channel my inner Phil while doing this 😃

[@thehampshirewoodturner]

Well that looked a bit scary, quite clearly you enjoy living on the edge, but that was well worth it what a stunning piece of wood

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, I seem to keep doing this to myself lol 😃

[@trevfishns]

Turned out great, a few oh crap maybe moments 😂 but looks great

[@k9insomniac783]

I’m not going to lie, I probably would have been scared to turn that one Mike. Lol. And with my lack of experience and heavy hand, I most likely would have had a ufo flying across my garage. We’ll done as always sir. That’s a fine bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, I have no idea how it stayed in one piece, just not my time lol 😃

[@LouisaLee63]

Lovely bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Louisa 😀

[@nordy67]

Very nice natural edge bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nordy 😃

[@robertbourke7935]

Excellent work Mike

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Robert 😀

[@edwardukleja4583]

Hi Mike, lovely piece of wood, I thought the usual solvent for shellac was Methylated spirit not Iso Propyl.

[@MikeHolton]

You are correct i is but I can get hold of IPA easier, thanks 😀

[@mickwilson127]

Beautiful as always.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mick 😃

[@chrisgrimshaw6358]

Brilliant turning, i love 😮 the challange of working with such pieces,*chris

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Chris😀

[@Paul56M]

Love that sycamore bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Paul, it certainly has a lot of character 😀

[@lyndaowen2154]

Are the live edge bowls are some of the prettiest bowls. I think it turned out great.

[@MikeHolton]

I love them, they have a far more natural feel to them 😃

[@lyndaowen2154]

@@MikeHolton I totally agree

[@jenw9361]

Phil would be proud 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jen, I hope so 😃

[@SusanZiegler]

This bowl is extraordinarily beautiful! I have an unrelated question. What do you do with all your wood shavings? I keep thinking what a wonderful mulch they would make for my garden!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, if you are close you can have them, otherwise they go to be turned into compost. All the best, Mike 😃

[@SusanZiegler]

@@MikeHolton LOL. I wish. I'm in Massachusetts in the US. I'd love an excuse to visit the UK again, but the USDA probably wouldn't approve of my souvenir!

[@MikeHolton]

@@SusanZiegler 🤣😂

[@brycegenevaostler9359]

Very nice work again. Burls are some of the besr looking wood in turning or verniers. Keep up the nice work 😅

[@MikeHolton]

They are indeed Bryce, thanks Mike 😃

[@racheldray1057]

It looks great. I don't know how you managed it

[@MikeHolton]

Carefully and bit by bit lol, this was a challenge but fun 😀

[@johnmutton799]

Very nice!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😃

[@deborahackroyd1036]

I love it 😊❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Deborah 😀

[@caspersx200]

Very nice, don't think I would have been brave enough to turn it though

[@MikeHolton]

If you keep well to the side things are usually fine 😂

[@MarieToth-m2q]

Nice work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks for the visit Marie 😀

[@sherrillsturm7240]

That took a lot of faith. It could have blown apart. So, what was the resistance to using a hardener or filler?

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, my resistance reasons are numerous, I have nothing really against resin but it is expensive, it very time consuming and the turning have to go into landfill. Plus I wanted to leave this one as natural as possible.

[@tonyreed8645]

Nice work!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tony 😃

[@BulletTing]

Great bowl 🥣

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 👍

[@davidhrutfiord2537]

Great live edge bowl. Odd bark inclusion to have to work around.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, yeah, there were just one or two in there 😃

[@lizacole9520]

Well worth the perseverance, and bravery! 😂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Liza, this was a whole lot of fun 😃

[@brenda3768]

Beautiful bowl. Looking forward to your giveaway

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Brenda, just finished the editing, it certainly is very different! 😃

[@raydriver7300]

That’s a well turned piece, Mike. I also subscribe to Phil at shady acres, as well as Gary ‘ThePapa1947’ and Sprague Woodturning and……….keep up the good work. Needless to say, I love your lathe 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Ray, I follow all those guys as well and many many more.

[@dougb100]

I had a piece like this but a crotch piece that had bark inclusion right through the middle of the crotch, I turned a little took a look then turned a little more until I thought no more. Almost became 2 halves!

[@MikeHolton]

I was close with this one but I could see enough connected pieces to proceed carefully 🙂

[@archiehebron8944]

I love that Phil guy!

[@MikeHolton]

Phil has inspired me to do what I do 😀

[@archiehebron8944]

@@MikeHolton I'm a fan too. On Sunday and I made my first functional woodturning. I made a pestel and a honey dipper from peach wood. The grain looks amazing. I can't wait to start on bowls and lamps. I'm still working on collecting gouges 😁

[@MikeHolton]

@@archiehebron8944 good for you, good luck with the gouges 😁

[@markhannum1005]

Why did you not use some thick CA glue in the cracks and voids to assure it would hold together while turning. Love your work. Mark Springfield.

[@MikeHolton]

I did not want to fill it with anything, just wanted it as natural as I could make it 😀

[@terryflynn2791]

Mike what proportions do you use in the finishes you mixed A lovely bowl Terry downunder

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Terry, for the sealer I used 20g shellac to 200ml of IPA and the polish it was 40g shellac to 200ml of IPA, all the best, Mike

[@terryflynn2791]

@@MikeHolton Thanks Mike I will try it.I enjoy making my own.

[@MikeHolton]

@@terryflynn2791 Me too, it gives you more control and understanding of the product and it's also a lot cheaper ☺

[@rickallen9382]

I am surprised it stayed together. Going slow and checking as you progress then stoping at proper time made it happen. And of course your will to take the risk.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rick, the quality of the wood not surrounded in bark was perfect so I had good reason to believe in it's strength. But of course I kept well to the side, just in case, and kept my fingers crossed, and sacrificed a small child before starting 😂, sorry that was a joke, you can't cross your fingers while turning, it would not be safe. 😀

[@bnaivar]

...and the moral of the story is...If it gives you any trouble, give it a good shellacking. 😁

[@MikeHolton]

😂 Haha, best comment of the week 😃

[@roberthendrie5056]

At the start you commented about someone needing support. What is their site/channel

[@MikeHolton]

Hi Robert, yes I did, it's Chris at @thestutteringwoodturner9824

[@lefouineurdevideoinfoetc..3896]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@jaynedavis3388]

What’s wrong with resin? Resin & Wood combination is how I found turning channels

[@MikeHolton]

I have nothing against resin, I've used it many times, I just wanted this bowl to be as natural as possible 😄

[@jaynedavis3388]

@@MikeHolton fair enough, it’s a matter of taste. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I just wanted to know if there was something terrible about resin/epoxy that I didn’t know about

[@MikeHolton]

@@jaynedavis3388 Hi Jayne, a few people are against it as basically it is plastic and not that environmentally friendly

[@jaynedavis3388]

@@MikeHolton I can see that perspective but I’d also say that if there’s nothing else that works for some processes then it’s a choice over the lesser of two evils. We can decide each which one is the best option for us. Without a green alternative, there’s always going to be customers for what resin & epoxy can do ❤️

[@MikeHolton]

@@jaynedavis3388 I completely agree 100%, the last resin bowl I made, I had a choice between throwing a burl away or using resin. Resin can be very very beautiful and I have seen some absolutely astonishing pieces that have been made with it.