Mesquite

[wood_stuff]

Hi all,
Has anyone out there ever carved on mesquite? I have several trees on my property that I keep trimmed and thus have ample supply of wood. But before I start carving I thought I'd ask.

Thanks Marv in Tucson

[wood_stuff]

What tools work best in working with mesquite?

[DiamondWillow]

Hi Marv

I do some carving or whatever I do in Mesquite. I use the root or burl of the mesquite and work it with grinding tools or Nicholson #49 or #50 Rasp and then finish them with finer and finer sandpaper until they shine up just wonderful. I can take a gouge and mallet and do some cutting but in the burl it does not cut very well and usually it kind of knocks off the edges that I am looking for. I am including my Picturetrail site. The bases for the Trout and the base for the Swallow are made from the mesquite.
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...1300&members=1

Hopefully that address will get you there, if not use this one.
www.picturetrail.com/bremmers and look in the carving album.

Good luck and take a whack at the mesquite, not a thing to lose.

Gene

[Bill]

I have done several pieces using Mesquite, love it, great color and density
really holds the detail and finishes great. Good choice if woods.
Bill

[Joy]

Mesquite is a prized wood for turning. It is very stable and seldom splits while drying. But it is very dense and and might prove difficult with hand tools. Since it is fairly stable you might try carving it when it is first cut and still wet.

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

BBQ with it .... Good to carve, but great bbq wood.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Its beautiful when its finished, I have made pens out of it.....but for carving, its hard as a rock, at least ours here is.....I would use power if I lost my head LOL You are here in Arizona.....we have tons of absolutely beautiful wood, but alas, because of its environment, its all extremely hard...like Cats Claw, its beautiful! but I have made pens out of a lot of different ones! Palo Verde is another very pretty, yellow wood.