Mesquite Vase

[Steve Schlumpf]

This vase is out of a rectangular piece of Mesquite that Kathy Marshall had sent me back in June. Thank you Kathy! It is the piece on the left in this photo: Original Thread (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?168458-Surprise-Bandit-Struck-Again%21%21%21)

I wanted to turn a vase and yet I really liked the chainsaw marks that were on the sides of the wood - so I kept them. I realize that the form is not traditional but the piece turned out exactly as I had envisioned.

Mesquite, 9 ¼” high x 3 ¾” in diameter and less than 1/8” thick with the exception of the very bottom. The outside was sanded to 800 grit, the inside was left natural because I like the contrast. Finish is 2 coats of wipe-on poly and it will get a coat of Renaissance wax after the poly cures. No buffing required on this piece is super smooth – on the outside – and I like the natural look.

217641 217642 217643 217644 217645

As always, your opinions, comments and critiques are welcomed!

Thanks for looking!

[Hayes Rutherford]

Steve, that is a very cool piece. I like the first photo with it lit.

[Nate Davey]

A very nice piece, Steve. I like the natural, organic look of the piece. The finish fits the piece.

[Ken Hill]

Very nice, love this type of turning!

[John Keeton]

Super nice work on an excellent piece of wood! I love the concept of using a larger diameter for the turning than the width of the stock - produced a fantastic result. Great finish for this piece, too.

My suggestion for a title - "Shot Clean Through!" Kind of redneck (but, I am a redneck!) - that was the first thing I thought of when I saw the piece.

[charlie knighton]

very nice, love the look and feel of mesquite

[Rich Aldrich]

Nice work. I like the built in level control - you cant overfill the vase......

[Fred Belknap]

"Shot Clean Through!" Kind of redneck (but, I am a redneck!) - that was the first thing I thought of when I saw the piece.


First thing that came to my mind was "squirrel hole". I like it, looks a lot like walnut.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Beautiful piece Steve. I really like the looks of it.

[Jamie Donaldson]

Excellent concept and execution Steve. I can see that you also had some fun making the photos!

[Bob Bergstrom]

You made a great call on the chainsaw marks. The add a lot to the void area and create great interest. Not a bad piece of wood save from the charcoal pile. Kathy sure can pick'em.

[Jim Burr]

I hate to say it to much, but organic really does come to mind. Finish makes it look like and old vessel. Really nice all around!

[Greg Just]

Very nice piece Steve. You can tell that a lot of thought went to this to get the final turning.

[Mark Hubl]

Came out very well. I like the concept and execution. The first photo has the most pop! I have not used ren, but on such a natural piece is wax even needed?

[Primvs Aebvtivs]

Lovely piece of work there Steve, but that's to be expected, isn't it? LOL! Excuse me for asking, but does Mesquite ALWAYS lose the red colouring? Is there any way to stop it, or is it because of exposure to daylight?

[Doug W Swanson]

Cool piece, Steve! I like the form and the holes really add interest....

[Jerry Marcantel]

Great piece , Steve. I'm curious how the hole came about. From the picture of the piece next to the box, there ain't no hole there........ Jerry (in Tucson)

[John Keeton]

Jerry, I am assuming that the square stock Steve started with was wider in one dimension so that when he rounded the stock, two sides were not touched. Hollowing at that point would result in him coming through the sides that were left rough and flat.

[Steve Schlumpf]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone - I do appreciate it!!

Primvs - all the Mesquite that I have turned has a very rich brown coloring to it. Might be fore age or location where it grew... but I have not experienced the intense reds that I have seen some turn.

Jerry, John's explanation is correct but maybe this drawing will help you see how I did it.

217688

[chris harrell]

Mesquite is an awesome wood to turn is it not? I love turning it, so cool that Mesquite trees are so plentiful right here on our very own soil. I spent some time in Southwest Texas and the locals of course do not take much pride in what it is that they possess, it was and is perceived as a trash tree...one of the biologists that i worked with did cook a wild boar over a slow cooking, bed of Mesquite coals. They obviously held it in high regards in this arena, for boy did it forevermore make a great tasting piece of pork...the biologist i was working with said, "The magic is the Mesquite my friend."

so for those whom have not chartered these waters, "Turn a piece of mesquite and eat a piece of pork cooked over it..." you will enjoy both.

Chris

[Joe Watson]

That's awesome... really nice job.

[Kathy Marshall]

Very cool Steve! I like the "see through" look, doing something like that would never have occured to me. Just let me know if you want to try some more.