Mesquite Hollow forms

[Dominic Greco]

Hi Everyone,
Below are some pictures of a (2) Mesquite Hollow forms I turned over the past week.

I had never turned Mesquite before and was not prepared for the wonderful nature of this wood! The smell alone is enough to drive you completely nuts with hunger! I couldn't get the image of a huge platter of baby back ribs out of my mind. I got very popular with the guys down on the shop floor by handing out 1/4" x 1/4" x 6" long mesquite bbq-ing "sticks". These were all cut from the scrap left over from band-sawing out a blank.

The mesquite took an edge better than any wood I've turned so far. And the coloration in the sap and hardwood really floored me. Another nice feature of this wood is it's stability. Even if it's turned wet, it will retain it's shape nicely after drying.

Both of the forms were hollowed using a Scorpion Hollowing system. The (3) burned rings about each rim were made by holding veneer against a v-groove cut by a skew.

Specs:
Outer dia.: 7"
Opening dia.: 2 3/4"
Height: 2 1/2" and 2"
Wall thickness: 1/4"
Base dia.: 3" and 2 3/4"
Sanding Method: Dry sanded to 2000 Grit
Finish: Watco's Danish Oil</font></font></b>
Final: Buffed with Beall System


Thanks for viewing.

[Jim Becker]

Beautiful, Dominic! Mesquite really is nice to work with...and very stable, even when "green".

[Chris Padilla]

Sigh, wonderful...again. :rolleyes:

You probably saw this but I posted some stuff on mesquite I gleaned from a mag:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=9865

It made me want to get a bunch until I saw the price!! :eek: For a domestic, it is expensive!

[Pete Lamberty]

I have always looked forward to opening your posts. I know that I will see high quality craftsmanship. But I have to say that you out did yourself with these forms. I am not a turner but I know what I like. Although I probably have not seen all of your posts, I would say that the ones I have seen were perhaps turnings that were more practical or functional. A piece that could be used to serve a purpose. Would you agree? But these, these seem to have a much more artistic look to them. They are very nicely shaped. I think you should continue doing lots of these more artistic looking turning so that I can enjoy looking at them. I think they look fantastic. You are quite the wood turner.

[Kirk (KC) Constable]

I've been telling you guys for years that mesquite is a joy to turn. :D

Those are awfully pretty...

KC

[Dominic Greco]

I've been telling you guys for years that mesquite is a joy to turn.

KC,
Man, you hit the nail on the head! This wood was pure joy to turn. Even more fun than cherry. And the smell!

I'd be turning a heck of a lot more if the darn tree/bush (whatever) grew up North! Luckily I was able to find someone in Texas who was willing to trade for some Cherry and Box Elder. Otherwise the cost would have been more than I would want to handle.

[Dominic Greco]

Again, thanks for the words of encouragment

[John Miliunas]

Man, you just don't stop impressing me! First it's the Sassafras/Paduak bowl, now these hollow forms! Wonderful job on both, Dom! :D Keep 'em comin'! :cool:

[Mark Singer]

Really, Beautiful! Great Work!!!!

[Bob Hovde]

Beautiful form! Twice!! All I can say is, WOW!

Bob