Another Roadside Find, This Time in Velvet Mesquite
A common tree in the southwest, very popular in landscaping, but people often water them too frequently, so their roots grow shallow, which means they blow over easily. Then they get chopped up and left on the roadside for bulk pickup.
Even though this one blew over in a rain storm, the logs were already dry. It had likely been dead for a while.
I was thinking of making this as a wedding gift for a friend of my wife. It must have been destiny.
You can see I still need practice with the gouge.
But eventually I got it smooth.
The shape is a traditional calabash gourd.
Thanks for looking and let me know what you think,
Until next time,
@skycranehandwork
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Man you come across some great stuff...... then you turn it into even greater stuff...... Gorgeous turning......
Thanks, I get lucky sometimes.
Awesome! Is there a finish on the final product? And also is that the same mesqite used for grilling? Wonderful photographic sequence for your project. Thanks for sharing
Thanks:) Yes, I used a walnut oil and wax blend by Doctors Woodshop. The last three pics have finish on. Yes, you can also grill with the wood.
I really need to get into woodworking. It looks like it's expensive but a heck of a lot of fun! I dig the lathe work!
Well, the wood was free! Even without a lathe, there is a lot you can do with inexpensive hand tools, and some free time.
Definitely. Maybe when my Steem Dollars jumps up I'll treat myself to some carving knives. Just saving every last dollar to open a business. I live in Arizona though so I know what you mean. Today, driving on I-19 to Nogales for a case I saw a dead mountain lion on the highway and almost slammed on the brakes. I wanted to do an art project with the skull and claws. Too much traffic though.
Plus a fine from the feds!
This is the wild west. I'm more worried about a thug than a fed. Haha Thanks for the reminder though but I wouldn't want a perfectly good, dead mountain lion to go to waste.
Basically the tree is a place where we depend to survive because of how many trees that grow and we plant it where we can breathe fresh air because the air in the big tree is very big effect for humans therefore many people are cutting down without being made any benefits even in burn to dust, I salute with you @ skycranehandwork because you can use the tree to make a new inspiration for friends all can even be made a special conservation land for a very decent seed income and the material is very good as with your post kawan @ skycranehandwork
Thank you, I always try to use reclaimed wood.
I like what looks like a heart in the finished piece. Make sure you tell the recipient that is part of your secret technique :)
Yep, it was meant to be.
You've got old timer skills, I'd be curious to know what you do or did for a living ?
Old timer skills, huh? I will take the compliment! I do have a day job, I work in water treatment for a city near Phoenix. I have also worked shipyards, scuba tours and kitchens. I even worked as a motorcycle test rider at the proving grounds in Mesa for a while. I do enjoy working with my hands.
That is a big piece to turn! Fair play that is good going.