This display piece has been turned from a truly gorgeous burl cap of Gold Mallee (Eucalyptus dumosa). Native to Australia, it is actually from one of the many species of Eucalyptus native to Australia. It has fantastic figure and color. One of the great turning woods of the world, Mallee Burls are quite expensive and difficult to work, as they are extremely hard and heavy. The turning here was made especially difficult to turn because of its oblong shape, which is what made the "wings" of the piece possible. Turning of this sort requires great concentration and and continual awareness that the turning is like working with a tabIe saw!
The turning was finely sanded and sealed; after sealing, Danish oil was rubbed into the wood, followed by hand-rubbing with a combination of carnauba and beeswax in a light solvent. This finish has what I think is a very light and transparent quality.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)