A recently closed thread veered into discussion of plateau in pipe carving.
Can someone describe this, in relation to briar?
Thanks.
Can someone describe this, in relation to briar?
Thanks.
Define Plateau Please.
- Thread starter jaytex1969
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Desirably because lots of grain is usually near the surface crust, where deeper down, where cheaper ebauchons are cut, there is less grain (more heartwood). There are top-quality ebauchons cut from very near the bark, but they don't typically include the bark as a feature.
One of two types of briar. The other, ebauchon. Plateau usually provides a more consistent grain pattern and have a bit of bark which provides the rough surface as it hasn't been touched by a saw.
I'm not a carver but, that is how I understand it. Plateau is usually (always) more expensive to purchase.
I'm not a carver but, that is how I understand it. Plateau is usually (always) more expensive to purchase.
The pipe in question would have been cut from a birdseye ebauchon, with the grain running "sideways" as it were, (it runs to the bark), and that little bit of plateau left showing would qualify for the Japanese "Shizen" notion, quite appropriate for a blowfish in the Japanese (as opposed to Danish) style.
And the grain, in a sense, travels upward toward the plateau. The grain fibers that look like lines are actually straw like and so when revealed from above or below become birdseye grain. So yeah... not to kick a dead horse, but plateau is not a flaw in the briar.
Jay, when a full burl is harvested the exposed exterior of the whole burl is the "plateau". The whole burls then go through processing and are cut. Those pieces which show the outside region of the burl ( the rough knobby look ) are called plateau.
On the top photo sasquatch presented you can see ( far left ) the roughest look and ( far right ) a briar piece that has had the rough surface area cleaned ( in some cases with a wire brush ) to expose the knobby natural look.
The "plateau" cut pieces are more valued by carvers as the grain tends to be flame or straight grain and tight.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Michael J. Glukler
On the top photo sasquatch presented you can see ( far left ) the roughest look and ( far right ) a briar piece that has had the rough surface area cleaned ( in some cases with a wire brush ) to expose the knobby natural look.
The "plateau" cut pieces are more valued by carvers as the grain tends to be flame or straight grain and tight.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Michael J. Glukler
I was stunned and in awe watching that one take shape. Bruce saw the grain as he was working it, but I couldn't see it until he wiped the stummel with a damp cloth, first three images.
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