3-pack Yellow Box Burl pen blank shorts

3-pack Yellow box burl pen blank shorts 3-1/4" long

Yellow Box Burl is prized for its intricate burl figure, warm golden-brown tones and exceptional natural character. Every blank features its own unique combination of swirling grain, eyes and feathering, making it an excellent choice for small turning projects where you want the beauty of natural wood to take centre stage.

What size are the blanks?

Each blank measures a minimum of 3/4" x 3/4" x 3-1/4" long (19 mm x 19 mm x 83 mm), making them ideal for projects such as ornaments, key rings, bottle stoppers, pendants and other small turnings.

What is burl?

Burl is a rare, abnormal growth that forms on a tree in response to stress, injury, or disease. Instead of straight grain, burl produces tight swirls, eyes, and complex figure, making it highly prized for high-end furniture, decorative inlay, and premium turned objects like pens.

Is Yellow Box Burl easy to turn?

Yes. Yellow Box Burl turns cleanly and rewards sharp tools with crisp detail and a smooth surface. As with most burl woods, grain direction changes frequently, so light cuts and sharp tools will help produce the best results.

How should I finish these blanks?

These blanks are easy to drill and turn. For best results, sand progressively using Abranet or sanding mesh, followed by Micro Mesh. Use a cyanoacrylate glue finish followed by a plastic polish. Friction polishes like Doctor's Wood Shop, Mylands, Aussie Oil or Shellawax products will also give you a durable, high gloss finish. 

Two fun facts about Yellow Box Burl:

• Yellow Box (Eucalyptus melliodora) is one of Australia's best-known honey trees. Its nectar produces a premium honey prized for its mild, delicate flavour and is highly sought after by beekeepers.
• Yellow Box grows naturally on some of Australia's richest agricultural soils. Because these fertile lands were widely cleared for farming, mature Yellow Box trees are far less common today than they once were, making Yellow Box burl especially prized by woodworkers.

Price is per blank in Canadian dollars.