A VERY Thorny Challenge! : Woodturning the spikey but beautiful Mallee Burl

In this video, we're taking a look at the Mallee Burl - woodturning one of Australia's finest. This grain is incredibly spikey and thorny on the outside, but it's what's inside that counts.
If you're interested in woodturning, then you'll need to check out this Mallee Burl - woodturning Australia's finest. It's a really unique wood with an amazing grain structure that you won't find anywhere else. Be sure to watch the video to learn more about this beautiful wood!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below, all comments will be entered into the giveaway.
eBay Listings:
Mallee Burl bowl: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1454648918...
Beech Inlay bowl: www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1454649017...
Support the channel and buy merchandise: ko-fi.com/mikeholton
Tools I use:
Record Power Regent Lathe: www.yandles.co.uk/record-powe...
Record Power turning tools and chucks: www.yandles.co.uk/search/Reco...
Tim Mason, STEADY REST: [e-mail]
Facebook: / mike-holton-hand-made-...
Instagram: mikeholton_...
Website: mikeholton.net/
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/mikeholton
And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
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DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks

[@tommymcdonald2065]

Years ago, when I was a young man, an older gentleman told me something I will never forget. He said to always flip the bowl over and look at the foot. If the turner spends time on the bottom for a pleasing look, you know he's good. The Marlee Burl Bowl is beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I completely agree. All the best, Mike

[@maudwelford1843]

The aroma in the WA forests is fantastic where these buris grow 👏👏👏👏👏👏💕🇬🇧

[@MikeHolton]

I can imagine! 😀

[@charmainerohde8575]

Today's words of wisdom: "When things go bad, never worry about it; just think of a way to solve it." And. . . "Like all good workmen, I shall blame my tools." Another stunning piece. A joy to watch it emerge.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much my friend, the second saying there is my favourite 😂

[@billrose2083]

WOW !!! That is some beautiful wood, and your work is spectacular, as usual. You're a real inspiration, Mike. Just a point of interest, this is November 21,2023. In two days, November 23, my wife and I will celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary !! Never thought we'd make it THIS far, but here we are !! Seems like it all went by so fast.

[@MikeHolton]

Happy anniversary to you and your good lady, 50 years is an amazing achievement. All the best my friend, hope you have a wonderful day on Thursday and celebrate in style 😀

[@stevebettany8778]

Congratulations

[@billrose2083]

@@stevebettany8778 THANK YOU !!!

[@davidbaxter5132]

Congratulations to you Bill, and your Wife. My Wife tells me I have no chance of us making it that far if I keep spending more time watching Mike's videos than with her! (... and I am not sure if she is joking!)

[@billrose2083]

@@davidbaxter5132 Thank you !! Wow ! I didn't expect congratulations from Mike's video messages !! HAHAHAHAHAHA !

[@ZeDocta]

What phenomenal piece of wood. One of the best that you've turned. Thank you for revealing it's inner beauty.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you! 😀

[@nicholastroop6544]

It's impossible to tire of watching turning, and wood working in general. There is always something new to see in wood.

[@MikeHolton]

I completely agree, every piece is different and has something to offer 😀

[@sea-ferring]

With the alcohol as well as the final finish, the grain looks three dimensional. So incredibly beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

It really is so very pretty, I need some more to turn 😊

[@davidschweikhart459]

The grain on this beautiful wood, to me, when finished, has a resemblance to Coral. Very nice work👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I think it will last till the end of time 😀

[@Winterbourne_wood_turning]

Egg banjos, that’s the secret to creating a stunning bowl. I’ll have to try it.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha, works for me 😀

[@petercampbell9899]

'looks like it's from a different world'...Australian flora and fauna do indeed have that look and feel about them. I certainly remarked on that upon arriving here many many years ago.

[@MikeHolton]

It is a pretty amazing wood 😀

[@Colganology]

Best yet. That grain!

[@MikeHolton]

100% agree, I love it 😀

[@deborahfaulk5532]

The bowl is so beautiful, it looks like glass, absolutely unique and pretty!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@racheldray1057]

"winging it" lol! It really is an amazing piece, but looks really challenging to turn. That shock at 13 mins! The video allows us to see some of the grain, but I'm sure it can't compare to the beauty in real life. The shape is very much your style. Love it.

[@lornacy]

"Winging it" made me chuckle too 😄

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rachel, the grain is just amazing up close!!!! 😀

[@Jaydaydesign]

I am a proud Australian who lives in the Mallee country that extends across the north west of Victoria into the south west of New South Wales. it is great to see our beautiful Mallee burl being available to, and appreciated by, artisans in other countries.
This wood is created by nature from trees that survive the harsh extremes in weather conditions in this semi arid climate. Temperatures regularly reach 40C in summer and -2C in winter with strong winds and little rain year round.
The Knarled twisted trees create amazing dense grain patterns and form intricate burls through constant stresses on their limbs.
The roots of these trees are also valued as firewood because they are long burning and produce a lot of heat.

[@MikeHolton]

Hi there many thanks for taking the time to send a message, harsh weather can produce some of the most beautiful wood. I have heard about it's value as a firewood! I'm turning a wood at the moment, that sinks in water, does not burn and has that much oil in the wood you can sand it with normal sandpaper. All he best, Mike

[@Jaydaydesign]

@@MikeHolton so one of the tree species they call ‘lignum vitae’ I’m guessing? Best of luck, that stuff is supposed to be a bit difficult to work with. But well worth it.

[@MikeHolton]

@@Jaydaydesign You guessed right, very much worth the effort 😃

[@donaldadams5342]

I have to say it 'great Aussie timber'. Now that's out of the way, this is a fantastic piece of woodturning, you have done an amazing job of making the bowl look as though it is fitting inside of 'a frame'. As you so accurately say Mike, the grain on this piece does look amazing over every square centimeter. Lovely finish with the Danish Oil & it's the first4 time I have ever heard of potential danger if not handled correctly. Brilliant work my friend & brilliant commentary as you go, so natural & relaxed as always. Cheers, Don from South AUSTRALIA.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks again Don, I'm starting to really look forward to your comments lol. There are some beautiful Australian woods out there and I intend to turn as many different types as I can get my hand on. I have two more red Mallee burls in the workshop which I can't wait to start. All the best my friend, Mike 😀

[@jenhovland2454]

I'm not normally a fan of winged bowls, but this burl makes it so stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jen, they are not for everyone but I do like this one 😀

[@drivingacrossamerica8228]

This is absolutely beautiful. Definitely one of my favorites so far. I really appreciate you sharing this with us!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much and I have to admit. it is just about my favourite as well 😀

[@shelleysnailparlour2392]

Mike thanks for bringing the natural beauty out in this burl, and sharing it with us all to enjoy and appreciate along with you. ❤x x

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Shelley, all the best, Mike 😀

[@ianlee9755]

Absolutely beautiful, it looks like molten lava that has solidified.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ian, the grain had so much going on in it, it's just beautiful 😁

[@joesmith1574]

That is a beautiful piece! I liked how you went ahead and included the spiky voids in the rim of the bowl, very well done! It gives the piece a classier look.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joe, I do like the way this one came out 😀

[@wessnyder6345]

A very strange looking piece of wood, that turns into a beautiful bowl. The pattern even resembles marble. How nice to know someone who will send you wood like that.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! It's amazing to be sent wood like this but it does dome with a hefty price tag lol 😀

[@johnheckles8239]

A piece of burl woodturning on RUclips that hasn’t been doused in a myriad of coloured resins.. How novel 😂
Love the final piece btw.. Stunning 👌🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😄

[@joeribak]

Just beautiful wood and a great job! I especially liked the top rim inside bevel to match the angle of the bowl below. Great idea, and creative thoughtfulness as always!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Joe 😀

[@SilverBack.]

WOW it turned out absolutely Amazing, well done Mike 🙌🙌🙌🙌👍👍👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Doug, this was so much fun!!!!! 😀

[@denocro3586]

Beautifully done Mike.I live in southwest Australia and am always on the lookout for mallee burls and roots, sometimes they can suddenly let go on the lathe so a face mask is a must. I was holding my breath at times while you were working that it would hold together. Well done cobber and thankyou for sharing. Cheers Deno.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Deno, I always keep myself as safe as I can be but it does happen so like you said keep well to the side just in case 😀

[@GlennTillema]

What a crazy bowl! Nice that you could preserve some of the spiky bits!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Glan, I had to, they are such an amazing part of this wood 😀

[@scottfonner]

Outstanding!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Scott 😀

[@crowncreativemarketing525]

Stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks 😀

[@kbye5323]

That is amazing! Gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😀

[@louisjackson4634]

Stunning!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Louis 😀

[@lewis1293]

Incredible as always

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lewis 😀

[@Radcon-2222]

That’s amazing. Very nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😀

[@franklittle]

Gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Frank 😀

[@acousticmikeb8119]

That looks stunning! Thank you for your videos. They are educational, fun, and calming!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like them Mike 😀

[@georgesatory7242]

Spectacular work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@kylemain4314]

Absolutely beautiful! Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Kyle 😀

[@user-hp7xw1rl8p]

Beautiful!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gregg 😀

[@MichaelMercer1]

Wow, just wow. So amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michael 😀

[@Ms.W529]

Another stunner!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend 😀

[@inesbahl69]

What a beautiful bowl. I need to watch more of your videos.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, watch as many as you like 😀

[@TomGammelskog]

Wow!! 😍 That's sooo beautiful!! Great work 🙌🙌🙌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Tom 😀

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Amazing piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you think so! I love it😀

[@leaannd.8786]

Well done. Amazing wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! This wood is just amazing!!!

[@marciafazekas5384]

Beatutiful work. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you for watching Marcia😊

[@lindawallace-radcliffe5915]

This looks fabulous

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@cudamank]

That is such an amazing piece!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark, you could look at the grain for hours 😀

[@haroldhoskison7239]

Amazing work as as usual! The wood was incredible.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@geraldsimon3268]

OMG that is gorgeous

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, I need to buy more 😀

[@edjenni6761]

Excellent work, truly beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dianeclemmer1344]

Absolutely gorgeous ❤️ beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much!!

[@markduggan3451]

That is absolutely stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark 😀

[@simon54131]

As always, amazing work on a fantastic piece of wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Simon 😀

[@82ndairbornevet]

Absolutely beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@jaypearman9528]

Amazing wonderful artistry

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jay 😀

[@pathardage1880]

absolutely stunning piece of work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@dalebrittenham1823]

Wonderful piece Mike.... Great job...

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dale, loved this one ☺️

[@klff_]

Really beautiful!! Well done, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😊

[@donnagreen7386]

That’s beautiful Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Donna 😀

[@stacietrask4987]

Amazing job

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you liked it 😀

[@andreamassari9099]

Amazing grain! Spectacular piece 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly Andrea 😀

[@user-gw4ue5mc4b]

what a wonderfull bowl well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@RattiDave]

That burl grain is hypnoticly intricate. The finish accentuates it's beauty. You have outdone yourself.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Dave, I think I'm in love with this wood, the grain is just amazing, all the best, Mike 😀

[@dawnjanacek]

Simply gorgeous! Well done, as always!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@ODDwayne1]

At first, I thought you would cut off the excess and use it in a resin project. But this is more beautiful. Great job Mike. Thank you 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dwane, I reserve resin for wood that has problems, this piece was perfect 😀

[@kirbyralston5234]

Beautiful result! Great work, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@marybasso3205]

Beautiful the best I have seen

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@BulletTing]

Amazing, the bowl looks alive!! Great work

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers! 😀

[@dennislebold8432]

What a beautiful bowl, just amazing

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Dennis 😀

[@adrianhoe5199]

Outstanding stunning piece of work,, this is on another level,,, Love it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Adrian, all the best, Mike 😀

[@TheBerteh]

Another absolutely stunning piece Mike . Love that grain 😀😀

[@MikeHolton]

You and me both, it's just a little bit special!!! 😀

[@RyanBHarvey]

What a spectacular wood grain! That’s a gorgeous bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

It really is, just about the nicest I've turned 😀

[@Ivor_Nastyboil]

Absolutely stunning bowl. Thanks for taking us on the journey with you.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it, all the best, Mike 😀

[@ronniekeates3349]

That grain is stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ronnie, it really is! 😀

[@johnbuchanan578]

Absolutely stunning, a wonderful project, so beautifully presented.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much John 😀

[@bobbrowder1572]

Another absolutely beautiful piece. Thanks for educating us on different woods. I am learning a lot.

[@MikeHolton]

My pleasure Bob, next week is another very interesting wood 😀

[@RetroJack]

Thank you for not filling the voids with resin, like so many others. There's already enough plastic in the environment and it's good to see an all natural piece!

[@MikeHolton]

You are so welcome, this piece needed no artificial enhancement 😃

[@thechariotcard]

Well said!!!

[@thechariotcard]

Most beautiful!!,

[@MikeHolton]

@@thechariotcard thanks 😀

[@mnp1964]

Looks stunning Mike nice job

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@gluey27]

Absolutely gorgeous Mike well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Many thanks! 😀

[@kathleenrobson1803]

That looks great 😁

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kathleen 😄

[@joyceburton8208]

A beautiful piece of wood and now a beautiful bowl. Magnificent!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Joyce 😀

[@yukonjack49er]

beautiful work 👏🏻

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! 😊

[@terrimaldonado8806]

That wood has absolutely the most beautiful character!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and I completely agree 😀

[@ndavidson1980]

Very nice, the grain is stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Absolutely stunning. Love those Ausi burls.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, this is my first and I think I'll be getting more very soon 😀

[@user-ob8jl9fn2q]

Beautiful Australian wood, that’s why I love turning it, well done 👍

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I think I'm going to look for a nice red mallee next 😀

[@user-yi3yx2fn7g]

It looks like magic.

[@MikeHolton]

haha thanks 😀

[@michalcoston3949]

wow amazing peace of wood ! really love the simple finishes you use . they really look great !!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Michal, all the best, Mike 😀

[@79Firegirl]

It’s a beauty again Mike 👌💪💪🥰

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@user-tf3xn2jn2w]

Absolutely stunning, Mike. You are truly an artist of amazing creations, Thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert, I just love what I do 😀

[@stevescott8655]

You've outdone yourself this time! Absolutely stunning!

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you Steve 😀

[@lindadepew4471]

From every angle this is a masterpiece! Loved watching this beauty appear!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Linda, I did as well, great fun from start to finish 😀

[@mariabasil9631]

Beautiful! And listening to your description of your enjoyment!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Maria, this is probably my favourite turning, the wood is just stunning! 😀

[@vernonabernethy3970]

A beautiful creation!😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Vernon 😀

[@ronkiskowoodart9680]

Well done Mike! What an amazing piece of timber!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ron, this wood is hard to beat 😀

[@Audie1234]

Hi Mike. Absolutely fabulous ❤❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it Aidie, this one is pretty nice 😀

[@Tseringlhatso]

What a STUNNING piece! Simply gorgeous, could look at that for hours. Thanks for another great video

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, me too and fact I have been 😀

[@zacschiffman8056]

Beautiful piece of wood and such a gorgeous final product!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😁

[@Bloke-in-Stoke]

Stunning. Now that's what I call a work of art. Well done once again and thanks for sharing and inspiring. Cheers 🍺

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@maxzjj]

my favorite so far!

[@MikeHolton]

Mine too 😀

[@heatherharcrow6156]

Love the wings!!!! Really allows you to show off a whole piece of this amazing wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Heather 😀