{"product_id":"box-elder-knife-scale-hybrid-stabilized-10","title":"Box Elder Knife Scale Hybrid Stabilized","description":"\u003cp\u003e1 x 2 x 6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl is one of the most distinctive and sought-after figured woods for woodturning, pen making, knife handles, and specialty woodworking. Known for its swirling grain, eyes, curls, voids, and occasional dramatic red coloration, Box Elder Burl can produce truly one-of-a-kind finished pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe burl develops as an abnormal growth on the tree, creating highly figured grain that is completely different from the relatively straight grain found in the normal wood of the tree. Every Box Elder Burl blank is unique, with its own combination of color, figure, eyes, bark inclusions, and natural character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Name: Acer negundo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily: Sapindaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenus: Acer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecies: Acer negundo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder is a member of the Maple family, despite its common name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon \u0026amp; Trade Names\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder, Boxelder, Box Elder Maple, Ash-Leaved Maple, Manitoba Maple, California Box Elder, Box Elder Burl, Boxelder Burl, and Box Elder Maple Burl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Distribution\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder is native to much of North America and is commonly found near streams, rivers, floodplains, and other moist environments. It has a broad natural range extending across much of the United States and into Canada and Mexico.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burls develop sporadically and are much less common than normal Box Elder wood, making large or highly figured burl material particularly desirable to woodworkers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl is best known for its dramatic and unpredictable appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base wood typically ranges from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreamy white\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIvory\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePale tan\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight brown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe burl figure may display:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSwirling grain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEyes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCurls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaves\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnots\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurl clusters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDark streaks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBark inclusions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural voids\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome Box Elder Burls also contain the highly desirable red, pink, orange, or reddish-brown coloration commonly referred to by woodworkers as \"red Box Elder.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe intensity and distribution of the red coloration can vary dramatically from one burl to another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain \u0026amp; Texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurl grain is exceptionally irregular and can twist, curl, swirl, and change direction repeatedly. This creates the three-dimensional figure that makes Box Elder Burl so popular.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe texture is generally fine to medium, but the irregular burl grain can make individual pieces behave differently during cutting and turning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural voids, bark inclusions, and other irregularities are common and are considered part of the character of burl wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood Characteristics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder is a relatively lightweight hardwood. Because burl material contains highly irregular grain and growth patterns, individual blanks can vary somewhat from normal Box Elder wood.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypical Box Elder characteristics include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDensity: Approximately 30–35 lbs\/ft³\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecific Gravity: Approximately 0.40–0.45\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJanka Hardness: Approximately 720 lbf\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurl material may differ from these general values depending on the individual growth and amount of figured wood present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStability \u0026amp; Durability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder is not considered a highly decay-resistant wood and is relatively lightweight compared with many hardwoods. Proper drying and storage are especially important with burl material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBurls can contain stresses, voids, bark inclusions, and irregular grain that may contribute to movement or cracking during drying. Properly stabilized burl is often preferred for smaller high-use projects such as pens and knife handles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkability \u0026amp; Woodturning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl is highly popular among woodturners because its irregular grain can produce spectacular visual results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSharp tools and controlled cutting techniques are recommended because burl grain changes direction frequently. Smaller voids and bark inclusions can be stabilized or filled with epoxy or other appropriate materials when desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl is particularly well suited for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePen blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife handles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife scales\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottle stoppers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGame calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall bowls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVessels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJewelry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorative turning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom art pieces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHybrid blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinishing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl can take a beautiful polish and responds well to clear finishes, oils, waxes, and cyanoacrylate finishes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA clear finish is often preferred because it allows the natural burl figure and red coloration to remain the focus of the finished project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStabilization can also be an excellent option for porous or highly figured burl, improving dimensional stability and making the material easier to work with for small precision projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal Uses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl blanks are excellent for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePen blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStabilized pen blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife handles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife scales\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottle stoppers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGame calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTurkey calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall bowls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVessels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJewelry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDecorative turning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHybrid blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEpoxy projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom woodworking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectible and artistic pieces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth \u0026amp; Safety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder wood dust may cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Use appropriate dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection when cutting, sanding, or turning Box Elder Burl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause burl can contain bark, voids, and irregular grain, always inspect blanks before machining and use appropriate turning speeds and safety equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCITES \u0026amp; Conservation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder (Acer negundo) is not generally considered a CITES-regulated timber species. Regulations concerning the movement of wood can vary by jurisdiction, so international buyers should verify applicable requirements for their destination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInteresting Facts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder is actually a maple, belonging to the genus Acer. Its unusual appearance and compound leaves can make it look very different from the classic maple trees most people picture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe burl itself is not a separate species. It is an abnormal growth containing highly irregular wood grain, which is responsible for the incredible figure found in Box Elder Burl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe famous red coloration found in some Box Elder Burl is one of the characteristics that has made this wood especially popular among woodturners and pen makers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy Choose Box Elder Burl?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBox Elder Burl offers something that ordinary lumber simply cannot replicate: every blank is completely unique. The combination of burl eyes, swirling grain, natural voids, bark inclusions, and occasional dramatic red coloration can produce spectacular finished projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor pen makers, woodturners, knife makers, call makers, and artists, Box Elder Burl provides a natural canvas filled with character and figure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOakbrook Wood Turning Supply offers Box Elder Burl for craftsmen looking for highly figured, distinctive wood blanks for pens, turning projects, knife handles, calls, hybrid projects, and specialty woodworking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45216542064840,"sku":"Box Elder 373","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0004\/1399\/0978\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_7f40ddcc-c15a-4229-9b97-a4da22a03a55.jpg?v=1789931113","url":"https:\/\/oakbrookwoodturningsupply.com\/products\/box-elder-knife-scale-hybrid-stabilized-10","provider":"Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}