Burl growth

Re: Burl growth

tdaniel

>Hi John

My observations for whatever they are worth:

if a burl is found in an area there will likely be more. Whether they are spread genetically or by spores I do not know but there is some conduit which allows them to spread. Do spores get into a wound? Are there genetic flaws in the seed? Like you I have only heard opinions and I know of no scientific study that has proven anything. You should have no problem getting a couple million dollar grant to research this, it's done every day.:)

I am sure we met at the SSS but I didn't tie the name with the JJ here, which one was you? :)

Re: Burl growth

Carole in VA

>"I may try some experiments (very long term experiments!)"

I hope you are a lot younger than I am, John! LOL Hurry up and get started so I can read the results from my nursing home bed. :)

Seriously, if you could figure out how to induce burl growth that duplicates natural burls, it would change the world of turning and woodworking! Go for it!

Re: Burl growth

John K Jordan

>td,

I wasn't at the SSS - perhaps next year.

I may just look into a research grant. I work at a national laboratory around a variety of long-term research efforts ranging from genomes to ecosystems to transportation to nuclear fusion. Successfully initiating a new research project is primarily finding the right combination of the idea and interested collaborators in the right field.

JKJ in East TN

Re: Burl growth *LINK*

John K Jordan

>>I hope you are a lot younger than I am, John!

If I am, you already have one foot in the geriatric ward or have lived a miraculous life of clean physical and spiritual living. (I'll be 55 this month)

But *starting* a research project that I may not outlive doesn't bother me. In fact, there are long-term tax incentives available in this state if you manage your land under a forestry plan. Perhaps I can combine the two.

BTW, if you are the Carole that JL is visiting, smack him if he doesn't bring you some of that pile of green maple I left with him! (link) (and just kidding about the smacking)

JKJ in East TN


chunks cut from ths

Re: Burl growth

John Lucas

>John

Based on rumors thier should be giant burls around Oak ridge. The are probably near the radioactive frogs. Perhaps we could go looking. If you can get a big enough grant to pay my salary I'll help you look. I think we'll also need a Oneway to properly disect and inspect the wood.

Re: Burl growth

Dale Stansbery

>I suspect that there are multiple factors. I have a wash in the bottom land here on the farm that has a bunch of small box elders and everyone has burl growth. My guess is that it's from repeated stress and damage from spring floods that scrape floating trash and and ice against them as well as the occasional fire used to clear some of the left over trash. They never reach substantial size until they die.

On the other hand, the other type trees in the same area don't show any adverse effect. One thing I know from experience is that nails, insulators, buckshot, and tapping maple trees doesn't seem to spur burl growth.

Re: Burl growth

Barry Irby

>John, I am about a year older than you, this summer I'll be having the second coming of my twenty eighth birthday. Will be leaving the double nickles behind for you.

I have noticed also that if there is one burl, there are often many and have wondered how they spread and how to spread them. I have spoken to Dendrologists from VA Tech and they repeat the same guesses you have already heard. I too have considered some sort of program attempting to induce them. My son, who is somewhat younger than myself is both a turner and is graduating form NC State with a degree in Horticulture. Perhaps he will see some results. It amazes me that with all the wood science we have, how much we don't know.

Re: Burl growth

Duane C.Leach

>John the idea of researching and experimenting what makes burls gorw is great. If you don't mind a few seggestions here goes. A trip to Oregon is a must. Find small areas of two or three acers each where burls are more numreous than other areas adjacent to them. Learn what features are present in these areas containing burls that are not present in the non burl populated areas. I hope I am still alive when you find the answer.

Good luck and happy turning.

Duane.

Re: Burl growth

Carole in VA

>LOL You are not much younger...I will be 56 in July!

JL said he is bringing a couple of pieces of your Maple. Thanks a bunch! I'm glad that log didn't rot. From the pics it has some beautiful figure. It looks like those red flecks are what I was reading about in "Understanding Wood" by R. Bruce Hoadley. Apparently they are common in Red and Silver Maple (as well as some other trees) and are called "pith flecks" or "medullary spots". They are caused by the larvae of tiny flies. The tunnels become occluded with scar tissue that resembles the pith, hence the name. I found some in some of the maple of have. I sort of like them!

Re: Burl growth

Karl in IA

>A plant physiologist might be helpful as a collaborator on your team. I recall there are some known plant hormones that have control on budding and growth. This study would be interesting.