Mesquite on the lathe?

I have made chisel handles from dry mesquite. no problems at all, and it makes a good handle. keep in mind that it is dense, so if you are driving a tang the hole will need to be larger than for say ash. keep your tools sharp and take light cuts. finishes real nice with oil followed by shellac.

Thanks to Andrew and Bridger for their responses. I'm goin' for it. Tom Work at your leisure!

======================= Tom, Being here in the heart of mesquite country, I've done quite a bit of mesquite. In fact, at any time I'll usually have close to a ton of it out back. The things you'll need to keep in mind are:

1. It has a tendency to have voids and other faults that can blow up on you, but no worse than working with most burls. Just check it over before you start cutting so you can do any preventive filling, gluing, etc., before starting your cuts. Black epoxy in the voids give a great effect in the finished piece. Small voids look good filled with turquoise or brass filings.
2. Most mesquite that has been down for any time will probably have either long horn or powder post beetles in it, so be sure you have a good face mask to keep the bug parts out of your teeth.
3. It has a high silica content, so even HSS tools won't stay sharp more than a few minutes.
4. Some people have an allergic reaction to the sanding dust. It's not as bad as a lot of exotics, but be aware, and know that you may need a respirator if you plan to do much of it.
5. It is fine to use for handles, etc. Most of my home grown tools have mesquite handles. Use copper pipe for ferrules, polish and spray with Deft lacquer or similar clear coat, and finish the wood with Danish or Tung oil. Makes a pleasing contrast.
6. It is probably the most stable wood found in the USA. Turn it to size green and it will be within 1% of that size (both dimensions) at 10% moisture content.
7. Once you start turning it, it will be hard to go back to anything else, at least if you don't have to pay shipping charges on it.

Let us know how the handles turn out.

Ken Moon Webberville, TX

Mesquite is a lovely wood and I think best turned green. Recently, I turned a vase from a tree that had been cut down in the early

By the way Ken...where is Webberville?? It is not on the map. Southeast of Austin maybe?

Joel Crabbe Temple, TX

jcrabbe wrote:>Mesquite is a lovely wood and I think best turned green. Recently, I

Thanks to all for the replies. The mesquite turns well, and I worry too much! I'm so new to turning, this type of thread will probably pop up again. I'll try some green...Tom Work at your leisure!

========================== Joel, We're due east of Austin, as far east as you can go and still be in Travis County, on the North bank of the Colorado river. It was settled in 1826, but not incorporated until Feb 2003. Population 530.

Ken