The WORLD's most beautiful wood? - woodturning THUYA Burl

In this woodturning video, we dive into the world of woodturning with THUYA Burl, often celebrated as one of the most Beautiful Woods in the World. But this wood hard a dark side, it can't be sanded with normal sandpaper. Join us as we explore the unique characteristics of THUYA Burl and turn it into a functional piece of art. Discover the challenges and rewards of working with this extraordinary wood. Whether you're a seasoned woodturning enthusiast or just curious about THUYA Burl, this video offers insights and inspiration.
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

[@LoisHubbard]

I am very grateful you revisited this wood - it's so mesmerizing to look at. All your design choices were wonderful - I disagreed with every of them and yet, it was always the right way to go to maximize the final look. Thanks for all you do!

[@ronniekeates3349]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who saves off cuts from everything

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Lois that made me smile 😀 although I was disappointed when you went on to say it was the right way to go lol 😀. All the best, Mike

[@bassstrangler]

I’d hang that on the wall. But then the back or bottom would be hidden. Such beautiful work Mike!
That wood would also look great as a guitar body.

[@MikeHolton]

Great idea, it would make a great guitar body!

[@user-ml8je4zj1t]

I've run out of superlatives! Mike I absolutely ❤ it. "Right, a platter it is " No-one could ever argue with that, after just one look at the finished work of art. Keep at it mate.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much James, I do love making platters 😀

[@lornacy]

"I've run out of superlatives" describes me too 😅

[@sherrithompson6524]

Can never go wrong with any kind of burl. Everyone is so unique... I like to see if I can find hidden thing in em... like cloud watching

[@MikeHolton]

@@sherrithompson6524 this one has about 100 puppy faces 😀

[@dtmccphotography]

near 2 years since I started to watch you on the TV via a roku box and never knew how to leave a comment to you to keep up the good work and the art that you produce from the woods you use. Today, our daughter who was here with our grand-son said to us, Harason, if grumpy asks you to hold a light and pass him a spanner, run, now, tell him to find the video on mums chrome book and leave the message and that ! ain't a joke, Mike, I do enjoy the art work, and yes it is art, which you have the talent to turn out and show.

[@MikeHolton]

Haha I like the sound of you daughter 😀. Thanks so much for sticking with me for all this time, that means a lot and I'm so glad you have said hello. Thanks again my friend, Mike

[@HS-qf5of]

That is one of the most charming and funny comments I’ve seen on TH-cam.

[@lizacole9520]

When you learn, we learn. Another stunning piece and entertaining vid. Thank you!

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😀

[@johncahall]

What a fantastic piece of art! I didn't think that I would like the design on the back, but it really does add to its beauty. Well done!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much John, I was not sure either but it seems to have worked

[@duncanpickford9098]

So glad you perceived with this wood. My vocabulary is inadequate to do full justice to this piece. Well done sir! Love it! ♥️

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Duncan 😀

[@krashmania]

I never even thought of a wet/ dry sanding, I'm glad you were able to come back and work this beautiful piece again!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, me too, so glad l did 😁

[@joeyl5994]

I am maybe 20 videos into your channel, and I just want to say thank you for keeping the projects interesting!

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Joey, I really try not to repeat myself 😀

[@silverback484]

Absolutely stunning the best thing about being colour blind is I can let my imagination run wild and that pattern is almost like looking at an image of the boiling surface of the sun.

[@MikeHolton]

Yes I know what you mean, if I had to describe it I would say frogspawn in a sea of silk lol 😀

[@user-nt4wr6uw8x]

‘that might be the piece that hit me…’ said with zero malice or spite!
nothing but joy and awe as you work (well, occasional vexation too maybe)

[@MikeHolton]

haha many thanks Sara 😃

[@taysider01]

Your thoughts on the design on the back were spot on. What a feature rather than a plane finish. It looks great but I think you're right, the camera doesn't do it justice

[@MikeHolton]

Morning Dave, thanks again, unfortunately the camera always looses something but there is not much I can do about it.

[@charmainerohde8575]

What beautiful wood. Looks like a geological treasure.

[@MikeHolton]

It is pretty special 😀

[@pennyperry9561]

That burl is quintessential eye candy and the shape you chose really sets it off. Well done! Glad to learn of the lemon oil sanding trick too.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks and you're welcome 😁, it's a handy method for sanding very oily wood.

[@eveny119]

Love it when the oil goes on and that grain pops.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too! Best part of the job 😁

[@Tseringlhatso]

Oh my word, what a stunner! It looks like the surface of Mars. Wish we could smell it too 😊😊😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, the smell is really quite beautiful 😀

[@susannah4Him]

The Art Deco look on the bottom really sets off the grain of the wood! Lovely!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much, it feels great to held as well 😀

[@TheLoxxxton]

It just gets better! I enjoy finding out about the variety of wood almost as much as the turning of it.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, you sounds the same as me, I love finding and turning species I have never turned before 😀

[@RattiDave]

I love that burl, and the finish just makes it even more striking!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Dave 😃

[@huberthicks9080]

Platter would have been my vote as well, Mike. Simply beautiful. I like the back side as well.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Hubert, I love the way it came out 😀

[@benketteridge9150]

Love it. Such a glorious burnt orange colour. And the stepped back is a great idea for the feel of handling the object in use.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, I like the thought of someone picking it up and getting a surprise at the texture on the back 😀

[@robertwilson54]

I have never known anyone like you the ideas you come up with are amazing, a real top woodturner well done Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much, Robert although I would just class myself as an enthusiastic amateur 😁

[@marybethhuson295]

What an absolutely stunning platter, Mike! I’m so glad you gave that wood another try. It’s so beautiful🤩

[@MikeHolton]

Me too! I'm a lot happier now 😀

[@user-nx8gk1le2m]

Mike, you are one hundred percent right, this truly is an exceptionally beautiful wood, I love it

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Rena, it's the type of grain you can loose yourself in 😀

[@nopelindoputraperkasa5869]

Very charming, the wood is very beautiful and aesthetic, I really like it 👍👏🤍👌

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks you very much 😀

[@janeoverby2151]

Gosh, that is very cool! I like the pattern on the back. The grain patterns in the Burl is out of this world.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jane 😀

[@jakes9708]

Love the bottom of that platter, the design turned out so nice.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jake 😀

[@scottcreamer1784]

The platter came out spectacular!! I love thuya burl!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@user-lk4cy5wg8b]

Absolutely stunning piece Mike. So glad you gave Thuya another go. Thank you for sharing.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tolbert, I'm glad I discovered a way to sand it, now I can happily buy more, even though it costs a fortune lol 😀

[@karenstafford724]

What beautiful wood with lovely markings. It is absolutely gorgeous. ❤❤🎉🎉😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Karen 😀

[@williamweaver4946]

Gorgeous job this week. That wood is so beautiful, but it seems like a major labor of love when it comes to sanding it. What an undertaking! Great job Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks William, sanding does take a lot of time and it is very messy but so worth it 😀

[@dellearts]

Wow!! The design really showcases that stellar pattern in the burl. Lovely!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@scottcheese1963]

Wow, just Wow. Love it. And love the back design. That turned out perfect. Well Done.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! 😀

[@RikMRon]

I was dubious about the steps on the base, but boy did they work what warm looking burl that is.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tik, it is just a little touch to surprise the person picking it up, they will want to look at the bottom straight away 😀

[@megala510]

This design is so interesting. I love the bottom. Well just all over. It's beautiful. I liked seeing the picture at the end so we can see the texture. Just beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much, the grain is this wood is just amazing 😀

[@amieclay8409]

THAT is a thing of beauty! Superbly done, sir, and Hooch did a great job supervising. Here's a smooch for him! 😘

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Amie, Hooch does an amazing job 😁

[@user-ve5cc2ur6u]

Truly amazing grain pattern ,like a universe of little burls. Lovely platter!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Patrice, I can see thousands of little dog faces in there 😀

[@MrEsNewChannel]

What a magnificent piece you've made this time, Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, this wood is amazing 😀

[@samhguitar]

What a beautiful platter- just stunning.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Sam 😀

[@LouisaLee63]

I don’t recall seeing this variety of burl before. It’s beautiful and your work really highlights that..

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Louisa, it is fairly hard to get hold of in large pieces, a lot of it is cut up for pen and spindle blanks 😀

[@taristea]

It warms my heart to see you treat wood with such reverence and respect. You love your work and it absolutely shows ❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much, the wood is always the star of the show 😀

[@brendadriver2702]

Wow, that wood is amazing! I love what you did with the outside too! Can’t wait to see what you do with the cutoffs and resin! Thanks Mike!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Brenda 😁

[@barryrankin587]

Great piece!!
You’re right about the camera doing it no justice, I love the close ups. It really shows a lot more of the details.
Can’t wait to see what you do with the trim pieces and resin.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much! All the best, Mike

[@alansmith477]

I never seen wood like this. Beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Alan, the grain is just amazing!

[@sapphodesigns2377]

Stunning wood grain.Good choice to add that stepped detailed pattern on the under side❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! Must admit, I am happy with this one 😀

[@nanalefevre3670]

WOW, that is a piece anyone would love to own. Great job.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Nana 😀

[@WilsonPhotography1]

I really enjoy seeing the different types of woods that you use.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks! I do try hard to find interesting things to turn 😀

[@ericparramore5136]

Beautiful work. I thoroughly enjoy watching you step out of your comfort zone and learn new processes

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Eric, we need to do it to keep learning 😀

[@NomaD_203]

Stunning and classic. Simple design and finish lets the grain shine. Love it ♥

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😀

[@stephencarey6114]

That Mike, is a blooming beaut

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Stephen 😀

[@k9insomniac783]

Envy is something we are supposed to steer clear from in our lives. Darn you Mike. Beautiful piece, and oh how I’d love to get my hands on some of that wood. I’d say you spared no expense.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks my friend, I know a guy who has a few pieces, not cheap but boy is it worth it

[@annstevens1274]

Stunning piece Mike! The burl has an almost 3D effect.

[@MikeHolton]

I know what you mean Ann, I wish I could send it round for everyone to have a look 😀

[@shawncrane7448]

I wish I could see it in person! Absolutely beautiful! Great job!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much, I wish you could too, it really is special 😀

[@user-df5oq2nw3i]

Thuya is truly a beautiful wood. And to think that we love turning wood that is not straight grained as it is supposed to be. Kinda like we humans. Usually, more interesting on the inside than the outside.

[@MikeHolton]

You are quite right Steve, open happens that the uglier or gnarly the outside looks the inside is a complete contrast with beautiful figure 😀

[@johnbuchanan578]

that is truly beautiful, Wood. What a stunning project.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers John 😀

[@mollynakamori]

WOWOWOW! That is startlingly beautiful.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Molly, this wood is pretty special 😁

[@petershipman7314]

Great shape, lovely burl 1st class again🎉❤

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Peter 😁

[@markdesautels4764]

What a beautiful piece of wood! Another stunning creation.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Mark 😀

[@tomburns7544]

My gosh but you know how to choose some gorgeous pieces of wood! And your designs are always so elegant and bring out the best in the woods you choose!
It may not roll off the tongue as much as "butterscotchy" but when you first put the finish on this piece I thought, "chocolate granola".
Well done again, sir!

[@lornacy]

"Chocolate granola" I see it!

[@MikeHolton]

Haha thanks Tom 🤣

[@bobbrowder1572]

Wow! I think I my have said this before, but I need to repeat it. The woods you work with are amazing and I am learning much about different wood from around the world. Your artistry is also great. I love to how the visions you have for a piece of wood becomes reality. Keep up the great work.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Bob, I work hard to try and find interesting wood to turn, I love wood types that have a social history as well as a natural one.

[@DougMilleratWoodSpunRound]

Gorgeous platter Mike. The wood is gorgeous and your design is stunning. Great job!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers Doug, love the way this came out 😀

[@jeramiahcrosier3481]

Wow, really amazing grain on this platter. I feel your pain on the cold weather. I was sharpening my gouge the other day and saw that my tub of water had frozen over

[@MikeHolton]

Haha that's when you know it's cold!! 😀

[@karengilchrist9774]

That is stunning! Incredible wood. Love the design on the back.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Karen 😀

[@phillacasse7393]

Excellent video, Mike!! You have a gift, both as a wood turner and as an educator. Also, your creativity shows in your thinking "outside the box".
Thank you for taking us along on your journeys in the workshop!! :-)

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Pill, I appreciate it 😀

[@brycegenevaostler9359]

Mike, Thanks again for a very nice video. Just love watching them and hearing you voice.😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Bryce, that means a lot to me 😀

[@allochthonplays2978]

Really glad you tried Thuya again! Beautiful piece.

[@MikeHolton]

Me too, I will be buying more when I can afford another piece 😂

[@79Firegirl]

It’s an amazing piece, and that wood, spectacular. Love ❤️ it.

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Wendy, so glad I tried Thuya again 😀

[@chrischambers5466]

Beautiful, can't think of a better superlative!

[@MikeHolton]

That one is fine with me, thanks Chris 😀

[@deborahfaulk5532]

The platter is gorgeous

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks, I love it 😀

[@simon54131]

Yet again an amazing piece, this wood is so spectacular.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Simon, it really is just amazing! 😀

[@aliciadare2572]

One of my favorite things you’ve made!

[@MikeHolton]

Mine too! 😀

[@tracymakovec3301]

I agree, Mike, an absolutely stunning piece of wood!! Really liked your design on the outside.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😃

[@robertrichards1840]

Absolutely wonderful Mike it's a long time since I turned thuya burr , had forgotten how beautiful it is well done

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Robert 😁

[@bevharrison8157]

Great plater , pleased you didn’t go with a bowl.
Your videos have inspired me to go on a wood turning weekend . Can’t wait .😊

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Bev, that sounds amazing, let me know how you get on 😀

[@shawndesjardins3841]

That wood is gorgeous.

[@MikeHolton]

It is pretty amazing! 😀

[@VickiAndersonwoodturning]

GORGEOUS!!!! Thanks for sharing your lemon oil technique.

[@MikeHolton]

No problem, it works so well on oily wood 😀

[@kristikey8320]

Absolutely lovely! Unusual grain. My favorites are where you can see chatoyance in the wood. It fascinates me.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Kirsti, the is certainly a sparkle in this wood that is for sure 😀

[@user-jh7ji3lq3c]

So beautiful! The steps on the outside perfect.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much 😊

[@user-hp6bj1ik6l]

What a fantastic piece of wood. Thanks for another great video Mike.

[@MikeHolton]

You're welcome Antony and thanks so much for watching 😀

[@peterloos8027]

Wow!! What a gorgeous wood and stunning design, i love how you share your thoughts while you’re deciding what to do; Platter or bowl? Platter it will be! Again a beautifull piece Mike! Keep them coming!!!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Peter, I just want to make everyone feel like they are there with me looking over my shoulder or stood next to me, it helps me as well to verbalise what is going on in my head 😀

[@jsprankel4712]

Beautiful markings in that wood, Mike. Reminds me a lot of the poplar I've sent you pictures of. Have a great day!

[@MikeHolton]

Ys it does Jim 😀

[@joshdedrick6162]

Another fantastic piece! Watching you turn the back side made me think you could make a very cool clock face in a similar manner.

[@MikeHolton]

Cool idea! Thanks Josh 😀

[@ndavidson1980]

That is so beautiful, that wood is so pretty.

[@MikeHolton]

I think so too! 😀

[@pzi__]

One of your best works, I really like the shape of the bottom!

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much! 😀

[@user-fr1wj6co2n]

That's a gorgeous piece of wood and you made an awesome piece of art from it

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much 😀

[@stephenaxford1505]

Fabulous piece of work. Loved the stepped back and the grain is superb. Well done.

[@MikeHolton]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@noelgreen9381]

Beautiful platter. Love that burl wood.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Noel, it is pretty amazing 😀

[@victoriashingler7065]

Just simply absolutely wonderful!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Victoria 😀

[@colinmacdonald404]

Thanks 👍What a fantastic result. Glad to see you had an easier job sanding this one. Cheers

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you! Cheers, it took a long time but so much easier and way less hair pulling lol

[@user-ly1lp7si3l]

Was not sure on the stepped outer but the platter side is amazing, as you say a truly unique wood!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jackie, I'm not sure either but it does feel good in the hands 😀

[@tonymazzan6067]

Such a nice looking wood, and a very nice platter. Looking forward to what you make with the off cuts.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Tony, I can't wait to use them as well 😀

[@jeff_at_woodlandturns]

Wow!

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks Jeff 😀

[@stevedoran3631]

That's a stunning platter Mike...

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Steve 😀

[@vinimarshall7301]

Another work of art , well done Mike 👏👏👏👏

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you so much Vini 😀

[@jesseclayborn]

Absolutely beautiful wood another amazing Creation great job

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks so much Jesse 😀

[@jbjeep8324]

stunning. my hands itch to feel that design.

[@MikeHolton]

Thanks JB, it feels amazing! 😀

[@AndyFisher1965]

Stunning piece of wood, really like the back.

[@MikeHolton]

Thank you very much Andy ☺️

[@nicholaskrest]

We only get to know how beautiful this piece of nature is when you give it your helping hand.
Thanks again Mike.
Beautiful 🙏

[@MikeHolton]

So nice of you say Nicholas, thanks you

[@raydriver7300]

Nice job, Mike. It’s different and I like different 🌞

[@MikeHolton]

Cheers Ray, I do like this one 😀