The Most Dangerous Turning I’ve Ever Attempted – Mahogany Burl Mayhem!

Published at : 12 Dec 2025

This week I take on one of the hardest and most reckless decisions I’ve ever made at the lathe.
A massive 20-inch Mahogany burl… turned off-centre… with the headstock swung out… basically a giant propeller spinning right in front of me. “Instant Regret” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

What started as a bad idea quickly turned into the most difficult and nerve-wracking turning I’ve ever attempted. Somehow, after fighting vibration, imbalance, and a few heart-stopping moments, this wild burl turned into something genuinely beautiful.

If you enjoy watching a proper challenge — and a few questionable choices — this one has plenty of both. Thanks for joining me on another woodturning adventure.

If you’d like to support my work—or simply treat me to a coffee—you can visit: https://buymeacoffee.com/mikeholton.
Every bit of support genuinely helps, and I’m truly grateful for it.
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Northern Grit Abrasive Paste
Direct: https://www.northerngrit.net
Yandles: https://www.yandles.co.uk/woodturning-finishes/northern-grit-finishes-original-woodturners-abrasive-paste-wax-170g/
eBay (inc. international orders): https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/316021102545
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Let's Resin (10% Discount Code: MikeHolton)
Canada: https://letsresin.ca/?ref=_O7uwU1QN4vDXg
USA: https://letsresin.com/?ref=HWup7tfrn4PHXB&utm_source=goaffpro
UK: https://letsresin.co.uk/?ref=_O7uwU1QN4vDXg
UK Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3B46F7w (Code: Mike24UK)
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JSP Safety Equipment I Use
Disposable Face Mask: https://amzn.to/3XaK8hV
Face Shield: https://amzn.to/4akPpqs
Half Mask: https://amzn.to/4dtxK2p
Powercap Infinity PAPR: https://amzn.to/3SUlAax
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Vevor Pressure Pot
5% Discount use SAVEMORE5
30L/8gal Air Paint Pressure Pot: https://s.vevor.com/bfQQV1
10L/2.5gal Air Paint Pressure Pot: https://s.vevor.com/bfQZRo
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Creality Falcon 2 Pro 40w Laser (10% Off – Code: FNPALL10)
Link: https://s.zbanx.com/r/JsV49PtnHrcr
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My Grinding/Sharpening Setup
Record Power 8" Grinder: https://www.yandles.co.uk/record-power-8-bench-grinder-tool-sharpening-machine-with-40mm-whitestone/p8401?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw6yuBhDrARIsACf94RXH_sfwEa2XW0NhXaUMd7xSCDpEAuo5OgIP6j6HfaWoGG-9zBW2QJwaAoPHEALw_wcB
Pro Grind Sharpening System: https://amzn.to/4bOEYOb
8" 180-Grit CBN Wheel: https://amzn.to/3whk8GP
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O3A Adhesives
O3A Shop: https://o3adhesives.co.uk/?sca_ref=5289570.dycnvAUJlN
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Tools I Use
Record Power Regent Lathe: https://www.yandles.co.uk/record-power-coronet-regent-variable-speed-lathe-cw-cast-iron-stand-230v-m33-x-35/p25240?gclid=CjwKCAiA3aeqBhBzEiwAxFiOBn4juCpNvSEbN3kp6cTvxUZ4IfcTbwx2-GUEE6_PiV4QMaEjdVtkDRoCjV4QAvD_BwE
Record Power Turning Tools & Chucks: https://www.yandles.co.uk/search/Record+Power+Tool?filter=1&f_category=573&f_brand=46&f_width=0-11&f_price=0-3899
Tim Mason, STEADY REST: tmcues147@gmail.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mike-Holton-hand-made-crafts-106659121895539
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Website: http://mikeholton.net/


And special thanks for the intro music goes to: Clemintine Sound Design
https://www.linkedin.com/in/clemintinesounddesign/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dog-box-games/

DISCLAIMER :
All of my videos are designed to be entertainment only. Please follow all required safety measures when using tools or machinery and always read and understand the manufacturer's guidelines and safety instructions.
The methods I demonstrate are not to be used as a guide for best practice. Thanks