IWHEN I STARTED TURNING BOWLS, I USED BIRCH ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY. THEN I STARTED TO EXPLORE THE BOX ELDER AND ASH ON OUR PROPERTY. FINALLY, I CAME UPON A DEAD HACKBERRY TREE.

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HACKBERRY IS IN THE ELM FAMILY. IT IS DESCRIBED AS LESS DESIRABLE, LESS COMMON IN FURNITURE AND COMMERCIAL USE. IT FEELS LIGHTER IN YOIUR HAND, AS COMPARED TO OAK, FOR EXAMPLE.

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BUT, IT YOU LOOK CLOSELY, YOU WILL SEE A GRAIN THAT IS INFINITELY COOLER THAN MAPLE OR BIRCH. TAKE A LOOK AT THE FIRST CLOSE UP OF A BOWL IN THIS GALLERY.

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HACKBERRY HAS BECOME MY FAVORITE FOR EMBELLISHMENT AND RIMMED BOWLS. IT ALSO TAKES TO SHELLAC VERY FAVORABLY, ENHANCING THE GRAIN.  LOOK CLOSELY.- SEE THAT FINE, NARROW GRAIN.