{"id":123,"date":"2009-10-15T19:45:15","date_gmt":"2009-10-15T23:45:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.woodturningpens.com\/?p=123"},"modified":"2009-10-15T19:45:15","modified_gmt":"2009-10-15T23:45:15","slug":"thuya-burl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.woodturningpens.com\/thuya-burl\/","title":{"rendered":"Uniquely Beautiful and Fragrant Thuya Burl"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Thuya (alternatively known as Thuja) Burl comes from a tree that is the only known representative of its genus, Tetraclinis articulate<\/em>. This single species within a genus is identical to humans, who, as members of the species sapiens<\/em>, are the only members of the genus Homo<\/em>. Tetraclinis<\/em> trees are members of the Cypress family of trees, many of which grow as ornamentals in American yards. Some may also refer to Tetraclinis<\/em> as Sardarac. This tree is native to northwestern Africa, specifically to the Atlas Mountain regions of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. In addition, this tree can also be found in very isolated pockets of southeastern Spain as well as on the Mediterranean island nation of Malta. The tree appears to prefer a hot, dry, subtropical climate and grows at low altitudes. <\/p>\n The hard heartwood varies in color from a glistening golden brown to a dark hue that is almost black. The Thuya wood tends to display a figure called “eyes” which are perfectly round and scattered throughout some burls, while in others they are clumped together in what appear to be islands of eyes. The figure is similar to bird’s eye maple but the overall effect is much darker and easier to discern. The wood is oily and very aromatic with an incredibly pleasing scent reminiscent of pine and black pepper. <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n The resin of the Thuya tree can be used to make varnish and lacquer. These substances are most valued for their use in the preservation of paintings. The burl wood in particular is in great demand by woodworkers and wood turners for its peculiar beauty. Its use is limited to turned wood objects such as turned wood pens or bottle stoppers, although it could be used for other small decorative purposes such as knife grips. <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n As with any oily wood, gluing may be difficult unless the oily resin is removed from cut or drilled surfaces with a mineral spirit immediately prior to the application of the glue. The wood is quite brittle and tends to break distressingly easy, so care must be exercised when working with this increasingly rare and costly wood.<\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n A burl is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. A burl results from a tree undergoing some form of stress. Most burls grow beneath the ground, attached to the roots. Almost all burl wood is covered by bark, even if it is underground. Insect infestation and certain types of mold infestation are the most common causes of this condition. Because this creates highly unusual and beautiful grain patterns, burl wood is often highly prized by wood turners and craftsmen. Finding thuya burls is difficult because in most cases the tree itself has been removed long ago, meaning that those who search for the burls must have an in depth knowledge of surface soil signs that can guide their digging to the most likely locations of hidden thuya burls. High demand and the difficulty in unearthing burls make them a fairly expensive option. <\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n Geographic Distribution of Thuya <\/h3>\n
Physical Appearance and Properties of Thuya <\/h3>\n
Uses of Thuya and Its Burlwood <\/h3>\n
Cautions for Woodworkers Working With Thuya <\/h3>\n
What is a Burl Anyway? <\/h3>\n