Maple Burl (Stabilized and Dyed)
Acer saccharum (Maple genus) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Burl/Irregular. Features highly figured, swirling grain with small knots (eyes) and erratic fiber orientation typical of burl growths.
Color Description
Artificially dyed a deep vibrant red. The underlying natural wood would be creamy white, but it has been saturated with pigment. High luster due to stabilization resins.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard), but effectively higher due to resin stabilization for pen turning.
Durability Rating
Very Durable. While natural maple is perishable, this specimen is stabilized with acrylic resin, making it waterproof and rot-resistant.
Common Uses
Writing instruments (pens), knife handles, high-end woodturning, jewelry, and decorative inlays.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (for the source timber).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $15.00 - $30.00 per small pen blank; roughly $60.00+ per board foot equivalent in burl form.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary. The turning and finish appear modern with no significant oxidation or wear to the hardware.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN; highly sustainable and widely available.
Workability
Difficult in natural state due to irregular grain; however, when stabilized, it turns excellently on a lathe with sharp carbide tools. Finishes to a high gloss easily.
Notable Features
Vacuum-stabilized with resin to fill voids in the burl; dyed to achieve the red color; heavy for its size due to resin content.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish or high-friction polish is typical for this application to achieve a glass-like shine.
Identification Confidence
High. The tight, swirly grain clusters are diagnostic of a burl, and the vibrant red saturation is a hallmark of vacuum-stabilized hardwoods used in the pen-turning hobby.