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View Full Version : New project with Mesquite (pics to follow)


Gene Howe
03-15-2010, 08:45 AM
Next Friday, Paul (Shipwright) and I will venture into the wilds of the Sonoran Desert to harvest some Mesquite. Hopefully, we'll get some good stuff.
A current project requires resawing 5.5" Mesquite and I had quite a time with it. Finally determined that I needed to tighten the belt. A BIG THANKS to everyone who helped me isolate the problem. Cutting like butter now....well a lot better, anyhow.
Sort of a rambling intro to a project build I will photo shoot. It is a series of pistol presentation boxes, built entirely from Mesquite and lined with leather.
So far, I have only made the piece which nestles the pistol and magazine (Glock) and have the pieces resawn. Resawing has exposed some very interesting voids which will be filled with turquoise chips and silver. I use dental amalgam for the silver and casting resin to bind the turquoise chips.
Still cogitating on the method of cornering the box. Leaning towards keyed miters.
Stay tuned.
Gene

nuhobby
03-15-2010, 05:27 PM
I'm looking forward to this! I've heard Mesquite referred to as "the rosewood of Texas." It really is a fine wood for presentation. It just has a commonplace reputation due to the charcoal association.