Thanks to everyone who responded. Is this a great group or what? Regarding the bug issue, one of the trunks is pretty buggy. I hate to put it on the firewood pile but if I want bugs in my teeth I'll buy a motorcycle, heheh. Does soaking turnings in mineral spirits effect finishing? Seems like microwaving might kill two birds with one stone, (bugs and moisture).
A cabinetmaker friend works mostly with mesquite from South Africa. They must have huge mesquite trees over there from some of the boards I've seen. He buys from
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down in southern AZ. Their web siteis worth checking out if you like mesquite.Special thanks to Steven Russell, was that 30,000 pounds or ounces. Jeeze. Ken Moon, please don't respond to anymore of my questions. I can't go in my front yard now without staring at that dang stump across the street, I can't sleep, I can't eat...LOL. But seriously, all I have is a shovel, a hand saw, and a 16 year old son is it worth the effort?Thanks again to all.
Wayne in Phx