Big paulownia burl on a healthy tree.

Since burls are so dense, this large burl required the aid of a tractor for transport from the woods in which it was felled.

Large Red-oak burl harvested from tree.

Large Red-oak burl being sliced in half to make two fine burled hats.

A template is set on the blank which will then be rounded with a chainsaw.  Note the natural shape of the burl.

Burled hat ready for the crown to be turned.  Note the ripples throughout the wood.

Rotten Red Oak Burl cowboy hat.

Somewhere in the mass of wood on the side of this tree is a beautiful wood hat. That wooden mass is otherwise known as a burl.  These burls are used to produce some of the most interesting and distincitve hats made. Though harder to find and more difficult to prepare, the end result is well worth the time and effort.

Burl Types

• Ash Burl
• Cherry Burl
• Maple Burl
• Oak Burl
• Walnut Burl

A couple of burls after being sliced off of a tree.

Ripping a large burl that is big enough for two hat-blanks.

Burled blank after rounding with a chain saw.

Paulownia burl cowboy hat.  This is a very rare burl which makes it very distinctive.

Hats are sturdy and light in weight 5 ounces.