Maple Burl (Likely Big Leaf Maple Burl)
Acer macrophyllum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular burl figure with bird's-eye like pips, swirling grain, and dense clusters of dormant buds. The turning shows significant figure variation and chatoyance.
Color Description
Medium to dark honey-brown heartwood with reddish-gold undertones. The sapwood is typically lighter cream but here appears darkened by finish or stabilizing resins. Exhibits high luster and deep chatoyance when light shifts.
Hardness Rating
850 lbf (Medium - though burl clusters can be denser and harder than straight-grained wood)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not sealed properly, but highly stable once finished/stabilized for small goods.
Common Uses
Musical instrument tops, fine furniture veneers, decorative turnings (pens, bowls), knife handles, and automotive trim.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Coast of North America (British Columbia to Southern California)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 to $50.00 per board foot for high-quality burl slabs; pen blanks typically retail for $5.00 to $15.00 each.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from sample, though the material appears stabilized or heavily finished, common in contemporary pen turning (last 10-20 years).
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES Appendices or the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable but burls are specialty harvest items.
Workability
Challenging due to erratic grain; prone to tear-out. Best worked with very sharp tools or high-speed turning. Takes adhesives and finishes exceptionally well, especially after CA-stabilization.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its tight 'eyes' and radical grain shifts. Often exhibits a '3D' holographic effect under a finish. Minimal scent when dry.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish is industry standard for pens to provide a high-gloss, durable protective shell over delicate burl tissue.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight clustering of dormant buds and the specific honey-gold coloration under a high-gloss finish are characteristic of Big Leaf Maple Burl used in woodturning.