cleaning manzanita root

[dandy]

I have a beuatiful piece of manzanita root I want use to mount a carving on. I want to expose the wood underneath the dirt, grime and oxidation but am uncertain as to cleaning and finishing. With the irregular surface it seems to be a huge project.

Can anyone share thier success stories as to how I might accomplish this task??

Thanking you in advance
Dandy

[Alice in Wonderland]

I do not know your root living in the North. But when I want to clean anything like this ,I use the water pressure, going gently from a distance to see how it works and getting closer and closer as I feel it is safe ,so I won't loose any wood. I have heard also to try a sand blaster?????
I hope this helps
Alice

[woodtrapper]

This wood grows in N.Cal where my dad lives and is quite rezillent even to fire.I would be afraid to to get a little tough with it.Davy

[Doug Ridley]

I use a flapsander called a Sand-o-flex. Does a pretty good job. I haven't tried this but I believe a power pressure washer would do a pretty good job. Don't use a sandblaster. DAMHIKT.
Doug

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Dealers put that stuff into old clothes dryers along with a few smooth river rocks to clean it up prior to selling. Tell your wife I said it was okay to do that!! (Only kidding!!)

[dandy]

Thanks folks for the ideas. I have a pressure washer, so I think I,ll try that.
Lynn, If I try your idea I,ll have to find a new home!!

thanks!!

Dan D. Dandy---Get it?

[Doug Ridley]

Dan, I haven't tried the prssure washer, it was just an idea. Let us know how it works. If it works you will have to let it get good and dry and then I would suggest spraying it with a can of Deft.
Doug

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Not necessarily Dan! Depending on how old your dryer is your wife might be very agreeable!!!

[Doug Ridley]

Dan D.-- Let us know how the pressure washer worked for cleaning the Manzanita root. Inquiring minds want to know. If it does a good job I have about 20-25 and I can fire it up one time and clean them all.
Doug

[dandy]

Doug,
I haven't had a chance to get my powerwasher out and running yet. I Haven't used it for a year so------! I will certainly let you all Know. I want to be a bit careful with it too.

Dan