Untreated -vs- Stabilized Wood

[Burl Source]

Usually I like to get everything stabilized that goes into my web store. But some woods are plenty tough and durable without being chemically stabilized. Some of these actually look better when not stabilized. This Bubinga is a good example. Untreated the wood has vivid coloring and a good metallic flash to it's figure.
[video]https://youtu.be/7WN89-71ybs[/video]
This next video shows a block of Bubinga that has been stabilized next to an untreated block. When stabilized Bubinga has a color change to a darker red/burgundy. If the Bubinga is figured the flash diminishes a bit. So my opinion is that the figured Bubinga looks better when not stabilized and left untreated.
[video]https://youtu.be/ttfr55yAF8s[/video]

These are the new, Untreated Bubinga Blocks that were added to the store.
Just click on the photo if you would like to go to where they are located in the store.


I have also added some Stabilized Snakeskin Sycamore scale sets to the store. These were cut quarter sawn so they have great snakeskin grain patterns. The sycamore is lightly spalted so it shows some blackline and cool colors from the spalting. These scales are extra thick at 1/2 inch thick.

 

[El Pescador]

I forgot how cool that sycamore can look.

 

[Burl Source]

The Sycamore have almost sold out. Looks like 2 sets are remaining.
These are half inch thick scales, priced at $40 a set.

 

[Burl Source]

I forgot how cool that sycamore can look.

It looks lots better when it gets sanded finer and finished.
The flecks have a metallic luster and the background is kind of a satin look.
They will have more contrast when finished.

There is also some of this Sycamore getting dyed and stabilized.
If I remember correctly there will be some in black, green and blue.

 

[ecchef]

Sycamore is good wood. Dave used some dyed stuff when he rehandled an old Sab of mine about 5 years ago and it still looks great. Lots of chatoyance.