Can you identify this wood?

[MilDoc]

I posted this just before the site upgrade and it seems to have disappeared, so ....

I bought this piece of wood on eBay 2 years ago and will finally get around to using it this year. But I lost the description and can't remember what it is. Can anyone name the wood? Any experience using it?

[Sam Conder]

Sapele Pommele?

[cabinetman]

Paul

It looks like an example of a rare form of dermatitis. But my guess is Carpathian Elm Burl.
.

[chopnhack]

MilDoc, I think your in trouble. That beautiful coat belongs back on the big cat you stole it from! Nice piece, can't wait to see what you'll do with it. Good luck

[Salty]

Camphor Burl?

[guycox]

I checked eBay for Camphor burl -- the pix there are almost identical..

[Knottscott]

...nope....

[MilDoc]

Camphor Burl?

By George, I think you and guycox got it! Looking at eBay the pics and colors are the same, but wow, I didn't pay near what they are getting for it now!

Sam's idea of sapele pommele was good especially the "quilted" variety, but sapele is darker.

Thanks guys!

[downtheroad]

I just worked on 2 antique Chinese pieces made from camphor wood. A small jewelry(?) box with carved embellishments and a large storage trunk, also heavily carved. When cutting or sanding it you could definitely smell the camphor (like some medicated ointments). Very aromatic and I guess used the same as we use aromatic cedar here. Does this burl have the same smell?

[MilDoc]

... Does this burl have the same smell?

I haven't cut it yet but as a full piece no odor.

Any problems working with this wood? What did you use as a finish?

[Pappy]

I can identify it positively!

That's the piece that blew out of my truck last summer. When can I arrange to pick it up?

[downtheroad]

The jewelry box lid didn't close well due to warping and worn out hinges. We had to do a little hand planing and it cuts very easy, about the same as cedar. I'd guess the burl's gnarly grain may not be as easy though.

The large trunk's finish was damaged from a leaking roof . The damaged areas were scraped and lightly stained with water based stains. Dye stain first, then pigmented stain. We then coated with Zinnser's Seal Coat (dewaxed shellac), padded on as in french polishing.