Stunning burr elm!

It’s not often I come across burr quite like this, since elm is becoming scarce. However, although I do buy off cuts when available, this is certainly different!

The tree had died about two years ago, but was in almost perfect condition.  At nearly 4 feet across in places, it was a heavy lump - nearly too much for the wagon to lift. Cutting this up was going to be a challenge, as burr is too special to waste. Each cut had to be carefully calculated, with my larger natural edge designs taking priority…

These first cuts go right through the trunk, giving an idea of what’s inside - no surprise it’s solid burr! Those gnarly spikes will make up the natural edge of a bowl and smooth rimmed ones will be turned from wood further inside…

It’s not long before I get some pieces measuring close to 2 feet across…

After the largest sections have been cut to shape, I work what is left into smaller and smaller chunks. If this was sycamore, I would firewood the small bits, but burr elm is far too special for this!

Five van loads later and sixty large blanks so far… I’m going to be very busy rough turning…

Two large pieces, both approximately 22” across. One with a natural edge and one without, both are solid burr…

The workshop after a moderate tidy up - I have lost count of the number of dumpy bags which have been filled with shavings!