The Redwood Burl Platter is Finished

Nine coats of oil, each allowed to dry, and the front of the platter was ready to be buffed with jeweller's rouge and white diamond.  Brian removed the chuck from the bottom and turned off the base of the platter.  He used a vacuum chuck but was unable to get good suction because the wood was porous, so it was supported with the tail stock. The base was given the same treatment of oiling and buffing and the platter is finished.





This Redwood Platter has incredible character with variations and complexity of grain.  The colours are shades of ochre which range from deep red to yellow and grey.  The diverse textures of the bark inclusions and lacy worm holes add to the intricate quality of the platter. 

It is a work of art to display in your home, but one which can be used to serve cheese and crackers, sandwiches or cookies.  Next to the platter is a candle, made from the same redwood burl.  The cost of the platter is $500 and the candle is $30.  It took a week for Brian to make this beautiful piece and it will have a place of honour in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour over the next two weekends.

A Redwood Platter is Created

Brian loves working with redwood.  The process of making a platter begins with choosing the wood.  Brian studies the slab to find the area with the most character.  Instead of straight growth lines found in the trunk of the tree, a burl has irregular grain, bark inclusions and a mixture of sap lines and heart wood with their light and dark colours.  With a compass, Brian scribes the circle which will become the platter.

Next the bandsaw is used to cut the burl into a circle.



Even in its raw state, you can see that this will be a beautiful piece.  Stay tuned as it is mounted on the lathe tomorrow.