This, without a doubt is the most difficult piece of wood I've ever turned. I don't know if it was the most difficult piece when I put it on the lathe but I quickly made it the most difficult piece for sure. A few catches, lots of bark inclusions, cracks, catches, poor planning, etc. etc. all combined to just make this a difficult turn. Almost from the first cut my only goal was to just somehow, save this piece, don't blow it up. Don't ruin it.

This is a maple burl and is going to be a wedding present. It's about 12" diameter and a full 6" deep, a big bowl and it kicked my butt from start to finish.

I’d say you won the battle! Love the closed bowl design.

I agree with Lew, it certainly is a beautiful piece.

Definitely a win and what a story to go with it. Won't be forgotten soon, just make sure to share the details with everyone 😁.

Your patience has definitely paid off, wonderful piece.

Looks like success to me. Great job, beautiful bowl.

Burls are like a box of chocolates.....you don't know what you got til you turn it. Think you got the winner on this one.

Thanks all, appreciated it.

On 9/28/2026 at 9:07 PM, Steve Krumanaker said:

This, without a doubt is the most difficult piece of wood I've ever turned. I don't know if it was the most difficult piece when I put it on the lathe but I quickly made it the most difficult piece for sure. A few catches, lots of bark inclusions, cracks, catches, poor planning, etc. etc. all combined to just make this a difficult turn. Almost from the first cut my only goal was to just somehow, save this piece, don't blow it up. Don't ruin it.

This is a maple burl and is going to be a wedding present. It's about 12" diameter and a full 6" deep, a big bowl and it kicked my butt from start to finish.

Stubbornness is highly under rated. Kudos for the beautiful gift, Kudos for refusing to quit!