hickory burl

[Dildobagnz]

After a long search I've finally found some beautiful hickory burl. As far as i can tell it's dried. So my question is probably best suits for the few cue makers who have worked with it. Should the wood be stabilized or is it OK to turn it down an core the wood? The only reason I ask is because I've heard that the burl actually very hard. The longest pieces I have acquired are only 12" so I think they will be used for handles. Any help will be greatly appreciated thank you

 

[Russell Cues]

While burl is very hard, in some cases, you really need to stabilize it as its also brittle and will crack or split on you if you don't. And yes you need to core it after you stabilize it for added strength plus weight control, being it will weight more after stabilizing. In a nut shell....

 

[qbilder]

The stuff I have doesn't need stabilized, but does need to be cored. If anything, soaked in a casting solution might not be a bad idea if it has voids like mine does. I fill the voids after the cue is final size. Several other builders who have used my stuff have all had good luck with it, too, without being stabilized.

 

[billiardbum]

The stuff I have doesn't need stabilized, but does need to be cored. If anything, soaked in a casting solution might not be a bad idea if it has voids like mine does. I fill the voids after the cue is final size. Several other builders who have used my stuff have all had good luck with it, too, without being stabilized.

What do you mean casting solution? Curious...

 

[qbilder]

What do you mean casting solution? Curious...

It's a clear, thin resin that you soak wood or whatever in and it will fill the voids & cracks & holes. Do a google search for "casting resin" and you'll find more than enough info to keep you busy for a while.