What would you do with this?

[Burlman]

This is most likely the largest birdseye maple burl in the world. I hand dug the roots, cut them off with a small chainsaw, then lifted the whole stump out with my backhoe. Since then I have spent approximately 1500 hours cleaning off the bark and exposing the beautiful birdseye pattern.

Even after all that effort to keep it in one piece as a monument, I still get asked by artists if I'll cut a few chunks off for them to purchase.

What would you do?

Take Care
Glen McLeod

[Mitchell]

That is HUGE!!!!

I cannot give you any ideas on possible uses. A monument of some sort would be fitting.

[Colin-Partridge]

Glen,
I saw your post on the chainsaw carving message board. I agree with the suggestions there. A burl that size should be put somewhere to be displayed. It is definatly a one of a kind treasure. I cant imagine how long it took to produce such a burl probably hundreds of years. I think to the right buyer that burl would be your retirement I dont know but burl especially birds eye cedar I presume that is what it is, could be worth in the tens of thousands of dollars maybe even more. I would think that if it was placed with a Glen Greensides carving standing on the top of it would make a wonderful piece of art. Had I known you were in Duncan I go out to the Campbell River Shoreline Arts Competition every year I would have stopped in for a visit.
Colin

[SchreiberBike]

I've never seen anything like that before. I'd talk to specialty hardwood wholesalers to see if they would make an offer to buy it from you.

[Gergie]

Sorry, But for one of the first times in my life I'm speechless!!!!!

[Bartster]

that thing is huge and pretty, what about some type of bench?

bart

[squbrigg]

I'd advertize it to some top end furnature makers, some great makers out there, very creative. I'd even post overseas, some Japanese woodworkers could do wonders with that. Check out "Woodworking" magazine back issues and contact some of the more creative craftsmen. It really should be used in some way, too nice to just sit idle.

Bob

[Ashbys]

I think it is really a question of what you want to do with it. If you wish to sell it , then sell it.

I think personally after all the work you have done to it and the time you have spent on it, you have something in mind that you want it for. Before you change your mind as to what you wanted it for , I would really give it more thought.

I am sure that it could be sold, the same as I am sure it would make a beautiful bed , or something special for your family. Only you can decide what you want it for , why you kept it and why you have taken the time to do all the cleaning. When you are sure of why you have it , then you will know what to do with it.

Garry

[Thor]

I'm just glad to see pictures of it!
Please let us know what you do decide just out of curiosity. I have no suggestions.
Thor

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

looks like in one picture you have already taken a slab off the top and bottom......there is enough wood there to make a LOT of money on that burl! Can you imagine how many pen blanks? ha ha small bundles of maple burl are not cheap on ebay....I would look around. As for making something large out of it? Seems a waste of beautiful wood to make a large project. Using it as inlay on projects to beautify a piece of cabinetry etc...many many uses, but does seem a waste to use very large pieces of something so rare and hard to come by...jimho of course