Woodturning - Jade and hardwood burls!

Woodturning with jade and hardwood burls is a stunning combination that blends the organic beauty of burled wood with the mesmerizing translucence and color of jade (or jade-like materials). This fusion creates unique, high-end pieces that appeal to collectors and art lovers alike. Here’s a breakdown of how these materials can be used in woodturning:

1. Hardwood Burls in Woodturning

Burls are abnormal growths on trees that produce highly figured, swirling grain patterns. They’re prized for their unique aesthetics and rarity.

Common Burl Woods: Maple, walnut, redwood, black ash, myrtle, oak.
Challenges: Burls can be brittle, unpredictable, and require stabilization (especially if punky or cracked).
Finishes: Often finished with oils (tung, danish) or CA glue for a glass-like shine.

2. Incorporating Jade (or Jade Alternatives)

True jade (nephrite or jadeite) is extremely hard and difficult to turn on a lathe, so most woodturners use:

Stabilized Jade Acrylic – A synthetic/resin-based material that mimics jade’s look.
Reconstituted Jade – Crushed jade mixed with resin, easier to work with.
Epoxy/Jade Hybrids – Crushed jade powder mixed with epoxy for inlays or castings.

Ways to Combine Jade & Burls:

Inlays & Segmented Work – Jade can be inlaid into burl voids or used in segmented designs.
Resin Casting – Stabilizing burl voids with jade-colored epoxy.
Finial or Accent Details – Jade beads or rings on burl bowls, pens, or vessels.

3. Project Ideas

Jade-Inlaid Burl Bowls – Fill natural cracks or voids with jade-colored resin.
Segmented Jade & Burl Pens – Stunning for high-end pen turning.
Hybrid Jewelry (Rings, Pendants) – Burl wood with jade inlays.
Decorative Vessels – Hollow forms with jade-resin accents.

4. Tips for Working with These Materials

Stabilize Burls First – Use cactus juice or other stabilizing resins to prevent cracking.
Slow Lathe Speeds – Jade-like materials can be brittle; avoid high RPMs.
Sharp Tools – Carbide cutters or HSS tools with frequent sharpening help.
Sanding & Polishing – Jade-like materials polish to a high gloss (micromesh up to 12,000 grit).