Using live oak burls for a base

[kahunakalai]

Does any of you use oak burls in your carvins? I have been using oak burls as a base for some of my birds. It is relatively easy to remove the bark, sand and polish the burl. They make great bases for shore birds, as you can see in this blue heron. I am carving a belted king fisher that will also be mounted on a larger burl.

[Ron T]

Hi Kahunakalai,

That is an awesome blue heron. How did you do the crest and breast feathers?

Are you in Hawaii?

[markken5889]

Hi K,

(Sorry, I'm feeling too lazy this morning to type out your whole screen name, so if you don't mind, I'll stick with K)

That really is a beautiful heron - great job!!! The oak burl looks to be a great addition to the piece. I don't use them myself, I am pretty limited with power tools, and the thought of that much work on oak with only hand tools seems pretty daunting. Typically I use driftwood or tree branches to mount birds on. I am about to attempt some habitat work with brass rods and sheet brass, although I prefer the "greener" approach.

I'd love to see you post the kingfisher when you're done!

Mark

[kahunakalai]

Ron T I am not in Hawaii. In 2002 I got a new boat and asked my kids to help get a name for it. My son e-mailed Kahuna Kalai. When I looked it up, it was used for the person who carved the figure head on the ancient war canoes. It means master carver. It is my boat name and I also use it in carving activities on the internet. Question 2 - the crest and breast feathers are cut from very thin brass plate, after painting I use a pointed exacto knife to cut a hole and glue them in place with super glue.

[MDWine]

Nice burl, nice BIRD!!
I can't wait to the the Kingfisher!!

[Hugh-P]

Nice job on the heron, I've used burls, but never Oak, Very nice. !!!!!!

[Jammy]

Hi,

newbie here... First... AWESOME Heron!!

this may be an obvious question, but I'll never know if I don't ask.

How do you get a burl off of the tree? Chainsaw? The title says live oak burls, how long do you need to let them dry out / season?

Thanks!

[Ron T]

Hi Kahuna Kalai,

Thank you for the explanation. I'm from Hawaii and knew what the kahuna half meant but not the other. The name sure fits you. Great work.

[scooter]

Fine job on the heron, K. Looks like the ones I shoo from my koi pond...

Originally Posted by kahunakalai

[...] Question 2 - the crest and breast feathers are cut from very thin brass plate, after painting I use a pointed exacto knife to cut a hole and glue them in place with super glue.

A bird carver friend of mine uses lengths of bamboo, split until they're the desired thickness, and uses those for his heron feathers. The bamboo is rather strong and holds up nicely.

Again, fine work.

S~

[Orygoner]

I have not used live oak burls but they sure look nice in your BH base. I have used Big Leaf Maple burls. I've also seen turnings and carvings done from Oregon White Oak...very nice indeed. I think it's hard to go wrong with burl wood and it's fantastic grain.