Camphor Burl Platters

Brian specializes in Canadian burls but he also enjoys the opportunity to work with exotic wood. This is the first time he has turned camphor burl with excellent results. Camphor is an evergreen tree, in the laurel family, found mostly in Australia and Asia. 

When Brian was turning this aromatic wood, the workshop was infused with the distinct, pungent aroma of camphor.  The scent was no longer present after the finishing process of oiling and sealing the platters so Brian saved some of the wood shavings in plastic bags so that the purchaser could experience the smell of camphor.

A lustrous wood, this burl has a deep red tint with a dark brown and golden wavy figuring.  This photo is a close-up of the rich colour and grain.

These spectacular camphor burl platters measure 13.5 and 18.5 inches. The beautiful finish accentuates the extensive figuring in this highly prized and rare burl. Whether on display, or used in presenting food, they would be a showpiece in any home.

A Maple Burl Platter: The Perfect House-Warming Gift

 

This weekend we were visited by a group of women, who were having a few days of fun and relaxation at a neighbour's cottage.  This was great incentive for Brian and me to take stock of his recent work, decide on pricing and tidy up the workshop.  It is a big stretch to make the transformation from workshop to studio and we were happy to see the quality of the pieces Brian has produced so far this winter.  Brian always enjoys giving a tour of his workshop.

The look on Beth's face tells the story of how excited she was to find the perfect house-warming gift for her daughter and son-in-law.



The platter began as a slab from a huge maple burl.  Brian scribed the circle and used the band saw to make the round.



The faceplate was screwed into the face of the burl and it was mounted on the lathe.  The slab was so heavy and large that Brian supported it with the tailstock as he turned the bottom.

Once the bottom was rough-turned, the expansion chuck was attached so he could turn the face of the platter.

The burl turned at about 800 RPMs as Brian carved the shape of the top of the platter with his gouge.  It takes a steady hand especially on the irregular bark edges.

Now it was time to turn off the bottom of the platter using the vacuum chuck to keep the platter centred.  The finishing of the piece takes about a week as coats of oil are applied, allowed to dry and then buffed to a perfect shine.  Brian's skill and years of experience create a hard and durable food-safe finish.

I called Beth and she said that her daughter and son-in-law loved their gift.  She knew that a large platter would be used often in their new home as they enjoy entertaining and take pleasure in how they present food to their guests.

This stunning platter, with its interesting grain, variations in colour and irregular bark edge will be a beautiful addition to their home.

Cherry Salad Bowl with Veneer Inlay

Back to work after the New Year's break, Brian has made a very large cherry bowl which is perfect for serving Caesar Salad to a crowd.  He turned the bowl on the lathe first, then made a recess the exact size of the wood veneer inlay.  The inlay was glued into place on the upper edge of the bowl, then sanded and oiled.

This photograph shows the bowl drying after the bottom was turned off.  It displays the grain  and figuring of the wood and the contrast of the inlaid veneer.  This bowl will become more beautiful in time as cherry develops a richer colour as it ages.