Turning a Hedgehog Burl: From Rough mallee to Perfect Pie

In this video, I take on the challenge of transforming a mallee burl that originally looked like a spiky hedgehog into a beautiful, pie-shaped wooden bowl. Follow on as I guide you through the entire woodturning process, showcasing the natural beauty of the Australian mallee burl. From the rough, uneven surface to the smooth, polished final piece, this project is all about turning nature’s quirks into a unique piece of art. If you love woodturning or just appreciate watching something truly unique come to life on the lathe, this video is for you!
Thanks for watching and feel free to leave comments in the chat below.
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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

[@andrewhall1693]

"don't do what I do kids" ......love it ! .....A braw bowl Mike ....loved you making it ...thanks for sharing

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Andrew and thanks as ever for your support 😃

[@racheldray1057]

Not only does he turn, he also does special effects in his videos! Great design, Mike. I really like the natural edge and the way the burl seems to go up the straight sides. I have a preference for bowls that can contain plenty so the flat bottom and straight sides is a win for me.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Rachel 😃

[@sylviamaunder3409]

Hedgehogs over here generally don’t end up as beautiful as that. The grain just takes your breath away. Love the straight sided aspect of the piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Sylvia 😃

[@thehobbyhacker9521]

Been watching your channel for bloody ages, only a few vids short of you starting actually, and I’ve got to say both your work and your presentation have bloomed over the last year. One of my fav channels and it has been for some time. Thank you for everything you’re doing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate it. I try to keep improving on everything I do 😃

[@susanburrows5288]

That grain pattern is incredible, those edges look like flames! And i love the spikes.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you like them Susan, I do too 😃

[@shelleygreer915]

That's the most stunning wood grain I've ever seen! Super glad you made the decisions you did for this piece.😊 Thank you for stopping to discuss the opportunities as you go along -- that's a very valuable learning experience.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Shelley, so glad it helps 😃

[@j.graham8068]

I like how you let the wood speak to you, as if it's telling you what it wants to become. Really stunning grain on that.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, between the wood and the little voice in my head I don't get a look in 😃

[@nikkia9506]

I think that's the nicest bit of mallee burl I've ever seen. Sometimes busy isn't always beautiful, but this is amazing 🥰

[@MikeHolton]

I know that you mean Nikki and thanks 😀

[@davidbaxter5132]

It certainly did look like a hedgehog! The bowl is absolutely stunning, truly stunning!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much David 😊

[@chenjung407ad]

Loving the steep sides - shows off more of the gorgeous grain.
The live rim really stands out, and I'm very happy you were able to keep so many of the spikes :)

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Chen, I do love it and it's not too spikey 😃

[@benketteridge9150]

OMG! That first reveal with isopropyl alcohol is STUNNING.

[@MikeHolton]

I know Ben, this wood is beautiful 😍

[@RoyWCanada]

Hi Mike, yes the mallee Burl does look spectacular no matter what shape you choose. That said it does take experience to achieve this. Thanks for taking us along. Till next time.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Roy, really appreciate it, see you next time 😃

[@taysider01]

Sometimes a straight forward no nonsense bowl is the way to go and this was one of those times. Great work Mike lovely job

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks David, sometimes the voice in my head is right 😃

[@barbkrienke8400]

Who knew that wood could be so beautiful?! What a stunning piece!!! 😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barb 😃

[@pennyperry9561]

So beautiful the way you matched the shape to the grain. I can imagine the surface of the moon.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Penny, I enjoyed this one 😃

[@williamweaver4946]

Unusual shape of the bowl, but with that shape I feel it did more justice to the burl. You get to see more of it. Great job Mike!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, I think you could be right 😃

[@theidlehandsworkshop3884]

That is incredible looking, the kind of thing you just can't take your eyes off of and you really brought out the beauty in that !!! Many thanks again for sharing with us.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome my friend and thanks 😃

[@flatflo]

That grain ends up looking like videos of the surface of the sun, roiling about with sunspots and flares!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, it really does look like fire 😃

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I think that shape was a stroke of genius TBH! 👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, the voice in my head was right 😃

[@RattiDave]

Mallee Burl never ceases to amaze! The grain is miraculous. To think it is actually a tumor, the end result of an infectious/injurious process in the timber …

[@MikeHolton]

I know, the most beautiful tumor ever 😃

[@susannah4Him]

The grain looks like a crown. Gorgeous!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Susannah 😁

[@ThePapa1947]

I only have one thing to say.
WOW

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gary, the grain in this is a little bit special 😀

[@BarbaraShelton-xz9vn]

The marbling in that burl is beautiful. I love that you kept the bowl as natural as possible to showcase it. Also, say hi to your brother for me.😺

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Barbara, I will do 😃

[@RenaLarson61]

Absolutely beautiful Mike, the shape is really lovely. Mallee burl has such a gorgeous grain it's one of my favorites.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rena, me too, it's always just so beautiful 😃

[@michaelandbrendatainsky3290]

Great decision on the bowl. LOVE IT. Your brother seems taller.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Michael, he is 😃

[@Psychlist1972]

I like how you evened out the burl so the crown wasn't lop-sided.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@vdubboy85225]

It looks like bubbling lava and so alive. Beautiful bowl Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I just adore this wood 😃

[@tomburns7544]

I absolutely love the simple shape. It allows the beauty of the burl to come through really well. Excellent work, Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks a bunch Tom 😀

[@georgeheighton3109]

What a wonderful piece! You have a real gift for seeing the beauty hidden within and great skill in releasing it so that others can see it too! Thank you.😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much George 😀

[@ianlee9755]

Great idea to leave the sides straight, always listen to your inner voice, nice to see your twin popping in from time to time lol. Another beautiful piece. Thanks for sharing Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Ian, he's just keeping an eye on me lol 😃

[@LuannYoumans-ec5fc]

Gorgeous grain, beautiful bowl. So relaxing to watch you work your magic on another chunk of wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@DesignbyDek]

That bowl turned out so beautiful, it has me seeing double😉

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks 😀

[@rustienielsen6803]

Wow that grain is magnificent. The spikes are very unique.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rustie, they are very spikey 😃

[@davidneil3811]

The burl is spectacular! Thank you Mike

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome David 😃

[@kevinfrench9896]

That’s some special wood. Beautiful.. oh and we enjoyed the funny guest appearances 😄

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Kevin 😀

[@DPerney1]

Absolutely love it. Glad you listened.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha me too 😄

[@jasonzoll4250]

Beautiful work by a master that loves the wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jason 😀

[@stanfromcleveland7313]

Once again Mike nails it beautiful bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@aliciadare2572]

Well done. I love the steep sides, and mallee never disappoints.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Alicia 😄

[@peterbarriscale7857]

Absolute wow factor when you applied the first isopropyl to it! Stunning piece, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Peter, this wood is just amazing! 😃

[@lucybenton7341]

That grain is amazing mike. My favourite piece so far.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Lucy 😀

[@donnaatkinson1077]

Fantastic grain on the burl, mallee is my favorite wood. Nice bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Donna, it is one of mine as well 😀

[@robertwells1650]

Only two words need! Love it! Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert 😃

[@ericparramore5136]

The straight sides allow the grain to be the focus. Great work, once again

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Eric, so glad I listened to that little voice in my head 😃

[@donnagreen7386]

Wow!! That grain is stunning! I’m glad you left the sides flat. Your twin was causing chaos in the background lol

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Donna, I'll have to keep the doors locked lol 😃

[@christinecampbell7404]

I do love your burl bowls, so much character in this one 😮

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Christine 😃

[@notbadsteve]

I love that grain. It's like looking at a mountain range from a plane.
Thought your doppelganger was gonna run in and give you a wedgy. 😂

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Steve, luckily he did not 😅

[@springbay1]

Those Aussie burls are just too darned pretty
You should ask your new helper to do the sanding job, so you could take a well-deserved nap in the office every now and then.

[@MikeHolton]

Now that is the best idea I've ever heard! 😃

[@marykayhansen775]

Another lovey bowl. Thanks again for sharing your work

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mary and you are very welcome 😃

[@mattgraham4025]

You can't go wrong with a natural edge burl bowl. I think you made a great choice going with the straight sides!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Matt, it's not my usual style but everyone seems to like it lol 😀

[@philippaatkinson8703]

Absolutely amazing editing! 😂 Another beautiful piece 👏🏻 x

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Philippa 😃

[@MichaelReaney-z4l]

Looks lovely Mike, i like the steep sides, you can see more of that stunning grain.

[@sherrithompson6524]

Love it!!! The burl pattern is awesome. Can never go wrong with it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Sherri, I completely agree 😃

[@Symplegades]

Fantastic work as always. Man, that grain is something else.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you kindly! 😊

[@cathymcguire368]

What a beautiful piece of wood and gorgeous bowl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Cathy ☺️

[@fionanaylor6104]

Brag away, it’s beautiful 😃💗

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Fiona 😃

[@cynthiahamptonprince9449]

This wood is amazing! The imagination goes wild seeing the patterns and variations in the grain. Beautiful and magnificent! ☺️
Lovely seeing your twin brother. 😁

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Cynthia, first time he's popped over 😃

[@dw3.14]

Stunning grain pattern!! Beautiful piece!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much! 😃

[@CrazyManuel94]

I just love this wood, the grain pattern is amazing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@catherineoneal1030]

Gorgeous bowl! Love your video bomber too. LOL He was very polite.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Catherine, he is 😀

[@PatriciaWiegold]

Wow. That is so pretty. The grain patterns are amazing. Love it.❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Patricia😊

[@MightyWizardTim]

Another beautiful bowl Mike. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Tim 😀

[@FiregirlHandmadebyWendy]

Hey Mike, I have to agree with you about the mallee Burl, you can’t go wrong with them. The amazing grain it has is just stunning. And I love what you did with this one, very nice shape and love the natural finish. Great work again.. 💜🩵💙

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Wendy 😀

[@nansihemming968]

I absolutely love this one. Always think you get better grain pattern cutting from the outside inwards. The grain on this is like flames. Fabulous❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Nansi, must admit, this is probably the nicest grain I've seen on a Mallee burl😃

[@deborahackroyd1036]

Another gorgeous piece. That wood is stunning 😊❤❤❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Deborah 😃

[@GailRobertson-l2c]

Beautiful piece, the wood is stunning,

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Gail 😃

[@markdesautels4764]

One of favorite pieces! Gorgeous!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Mark 😀

[@vivianvisser4387]

OMG astonishing grain!

[@MikeHolton]

I completely agree Vivian 😃

[@jackquick5452]

Never fail to impress. Another really beautiful piece, great job man.

[@MikeHolton]

Wow, thank you Jack 😃

[@stephencarey6114]

Breathtaking grain

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stephen 😃

[@barryrankin587]

I love the shape. It reminded me of a Kings Crown.
That Burl grain is the best.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Barry, I guess it does 😃

[@rockallred658]

Incredibly beautiful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@LOTGiscool]

Absolutely rustic and beautiful in every way.

[@MikeHolton]

Perfect for a log cabin lol 😃

[@garybeasley4885]

Those cutoffs are great for hybrid bottle stopper blanks! Burls do present interesting challenges. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Gary, I keep all my offcuts for projects like that 😃

[@MichaelDimick-o3j]

Another beautiful burl. It looks similar to one that I was given and has now given me inspiration on how to turn it. Thank you.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Michael, have fun with yours, I have 4 more of these to turn so am now thinking of different ideas for the rest 😀

[@karenstafford724]

Absolutely beautiful and such lovely wood. Love the colour. ❤❤❤😊🎉🎉

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Karen 😊

[@stucook8622]

Turned out beautifully. Great video thank you!🍺

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Stu, glad you enjoyed it 😃

[@bobber0001]

Great work by you and your doppelgangers!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Bob 😃

[@jordanarmstrong4839]

Stunning. I also appreciated the camera work with your doubles. Thanks for another great video.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jordan, just trying something new lol 😃

[@JohnBare-l2j]

Mike, you continue to amaze!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John, I do my best 😃

[@markjupina178]

Beautiful idea for that burl. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mark 😃

[@jude4896]

Wow, that pice is just majestic. Great choices and fabulous job. 😅🤙

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Jude 😃

[@graemestobbart6713]

Looks like something a viking would use. Beautiful

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Graeme 😃

[@justsome-guy7596]

I think that might be the most impressive piece I've seen you make to date Mr Aitch - lovely work mate!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@Fr4mmers]

I think the shape you decided on was perfect for this quality of wood, a nice flat bottom really lets the beauty show. I would also consider locking the garage door to prevent interlopers 😂

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jason, if it keeps on happening I think I will have to 😃

[@LisHoe-er6bk]

Incredible beautiful wood and bowl

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Lis 😀

[@jakes9708]

Another stunning bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Jake 😊

[@DavidM-um2uk]

Gorgeous bowl!
I got a chuckle out of you walking in on yourself.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I'm a busy guy lol 😃

[@susannah4Him]

Loved your double checking in on you! 🤣

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Susan 😃

[@mgh1675]

Amazing burl. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😃

[@josecanyousee56]

Beautiful bowl.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Jose 😀

[@walshjp17]

Simply Stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers 😀

[@petershipman7314]

Just stunning Mike well done 🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Peter 😀

[@simon54131]

Another amazing piece from an amazing wood. Your talent shows through.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Simon 😃

[@johnbrereton4756]

Stunning.. One of your best pieces yet.🤗

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks John 😃

[@archiehebron8944]

😂I like how you snuck around the corner. Nice touch.

[@archiehebron8944]

I think the condition of that sanding pad is a sound argument for the sand o flex. Have you checked for availability in your area lately? I recall that there were issues with that.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Archie, there are, they are a fortune in the UK but I will have another look 😃

[@S-T-E-V-E]

That wood is so Beautiful! It's like 5A Burl! 😍
I'd love a Guitar made from it!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Steve, it would look great in a guitar 😃

[@user-bighughie]

That is a stunning bowl Mike....the grain from that burl is so beautiful!! Isn't nature amazing? 😊😁 The simple finish does it justice. 😊😀

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Ralph, the grain is just perfect!😀

[@mikew2468]

I really like the straight sides Mike and what beautiful wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Mike, appreciate it 😀

[@pturner6175]

Amazing grain and your twin appears as well !

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks, yeah he just popped in 😀