It was John (BHT) and Woody who spurred me on to try this, in the thread about all the timber blanks that I'd bought. Tonight I grabbed the smallest lump of thuya burr that I had and just had a go. At first I was making a bit of a mess, but soon got the feel for it. The shape was going to be different, but there was a lump of stone embedded in it, so I had to change things. I understand that the thuya, which is related to cedar, grows its burrs underground in response to a major trauma suffered by the tree, like fire or storm damage.
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4044_zpsa9294568.jpg)
The Moroccan government have placed an embargo on export of thuya burr, so I'll consider myself lucky to have another 7 pieces like this sitting on the shelf.
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4042_zps99cfb944.jpg)
The wood was really interesting to work....a nice smell and very different to anything else that I've turned. it's out of a 6"x2" block.
![](http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/lessymonds/Turning/DSCF4041_zps8a1c27fa.jpg)
Comments and criticisms always welcome.
thanks....Les