mesquite wood

[RogerGarrett]

I have a colleague in the math department at IWU who noticed the pens I have been using - as well as those owned by colleagues that I made pens for. It happens that in the university-wide committee upon which I sit, four others use Pens I made. This math prof. was taken with the pens and asked if I would be interested in some old mesquite that he has had sitting in his barn for many years. I told him to bring in a chunk that I could mill and look at. Here is a picture of one, straight limb (it had bark and all on it) after I milled it:

My question(s) - shouldn't there be a distinctive smell? There is none - although this stuff is hard as a rock, heavy, and clear.

Does it look like mesquite to you?

I think I might be able to get more of this kind of stuff - although no idea how much. Does it appeal to anyone? Is it rare or unusual enough to make the effort?

By the way - the pen is yet another Churchill made from Becca's Desert Ironwood - just to show size.

Best,
Roger Garrett

 

[Awoodfan]

It sure looks like it to me and would be glad to buy a piece 3" X 3" X 12" to make a peppermill if you have it.

Ron
www.woodfan.com


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[guts]

Roger,I'd say it is mesquite from what I can see,as for the smell it might have faded some with age,have you turned any yet? if not you might get the smell when you get deeper into the wood,it makes some nice looking pens for sure.

 

[Dario]

Looks like mesquite to me.

 

[kmab]

Yep, looks like mesquite with sapwood. Looks like these branches were just over the diameter of your finished blank. Most branches will have sapwood around the outside under the bark. Personally I don't care for the sapwood and would mill the pieces small enough to remove all or most of the sapwood leaving just heartwood. It's not particularly rare and as for unusual; you'll have to judge that yourself based on the individual pieces.

Mesquite does have a distinctive sweet smell when cut or machined.

BTW Mesquite is the ONLY wood to use for grilling.

 

[RogerGarrett]

Roger,
If you make any 3x3x12 peppermill blanks, I would be interested also.



I'll look for some larger and longer pieces - maybe get those pepper grinder mill blanks! In the meantime, these will make nice ornaments.

Best,
Roger Garrett

 

[Jim15]

I don't know what the wood is, but it is nice. I'd be interested in some.

 

[kent4Him]

Roger, I see Ornaments. We should do some trading of blanks someday.

 

[RogerGarrett]

Originally posted by kent4Him
<br />Roger, I see Ornaments. We should do some trading of blanks someday.

Chris - send me pics of what you have and let me know what you want!

Best,
Roger