Still lovin' what you're doing with that mesquite, Dan!
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How big of a log can you get from a mesquite tree, anyways?Alex
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| I like Mesquite! http://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=45159 |
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 7:51 pm ] |
| Post subject: | I like Mesquite! |
I spent a few hours sawing some Mesquite logs. I use a chainsaw following the end checks as a guide, and then a bandsaw. I finish it up with a thickness planer. I try to make my cuts parallel to the medullary rays. Sometimes, the rays are prominent. Truoil makes the stuff glimmer. I cut some 1/4" planks I will use on a dulcimer. The Mesquite is free, and the scraps are awesome on the barbie Q. I figure I'll take the sides down to 0.080" or so and try my hand at bending. I have some Sitka for the top. I have Cumpiano's book to use as a general guide, and I've drawn my own plans. I figure it would be hard to mess up a dulcimer, but I have no idea what my plan will sound like. Maybe I will eventually try to make a steel string (using a plan of course). Yehaw from Texas, Dan |
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| Author: | Alex Kleon [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:23 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Still lovin' what you're doing with that mesquite, Dan! How big of a log can you get from a mesquite tree, anyways?Alex |
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 8:36 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Thanks Alex, I have a few logs about 16" diameter, about 5' long. It takes me and both of my stout boys to move one of these. I seldom see a log with perfectly straight grain. My local sawyer has several logs 5' diameter and 20' long, covered in burls. He cuts slices off the ends for table tops. He never told me how he moved them, and he only sells raw slices to a reseller. Regards, Dan Here's a pic of one of his logs. It's a lot bigger than it looks in this photo. |
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| Author: | Mike OMelia [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:15 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Who wants straight grain. That log clearly is a poor specimen. Pm me for snail mail. I'll gladly take it off ur hands. 
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:21 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Mike O'Melia wrote: Who wants straight grain. That log clearly is a poor specimen. Pm me for snail mail. I'll gladly take it off ur hands. Ha! I wish he would sell me some of that. I just want a small piece, probably would not even notice a missing piece. |
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| Author: | J De Rocher [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:28 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
5' in diameter!?! I had no idea mesquite trees could get that big. I used to live in Tucson and all the ones I saw there were much smaller. That grain in that log you sawed looks nice. |
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:38 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
J De Rocher wrote: 5' in diameter!?! I had no idea mesquite trees could get that big. I used to live in Tucson and all the ones I saw there were much smaller. That grain in that log you sawed looks nice. Thanks Jay! The largest tree I have seen in the wild is about 3' diameter. Most I get are around 1' diameter. |
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| Author: | Mike OMelia [ Mon Feb 16, 2015 10:53 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Egads! It's a Mesquitasaurus Rex Seriously Dan, cut some chunkies out of that and I promise u can sell it in the classifieds |
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| Author: | Rodger Knox [ Wed Feb 18, 2015 1:24 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
I'm working on getting the final finish on this one, the back, sides and neck are all mesquite. It actually bends pretty easily, but I do go pretty thin on the sides. Attachment: mesquite.JPG
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Wed Feb 18, 2015 1:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Can't wait to see it finished Rodger! |
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| Author: | Glenn_Aycock [ Fri Feb 20, 2015 12:04 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Dan, I often run figured mesquite through my drum sander for another luthier friend. Occasionally, it will get hung and burn a bit because it's so hard. Usually that burnishes and really makes the figured grain pop. Smells good too 
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| Author: | clucking [ Fri Feb 20, 2015 6:49 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Here in Phoenix 2' diameter trees are very common, and I frequently see 3' and somewhat larger trees. I have several 2' diameter logs in the barbecue/firewood pile, but also some wood drying/seasoning for fretboards and bridges - probably nothing big enough for back/sides. Maybe get a charango out of one. |
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Fri Feb 20, 2015 10:52 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Cool Charlie! Man, it really makes the bbq smell and taste good! |
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| Author: | Glenn_Aycock [ Fri Mar 27, 2015 3:57 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
I don't know where he got them, but this guy has a huge pile of sawn curly mesquite lumber for guitars. |
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| Author: | dzsmith [ Fri Mar 27, 2015 5:46 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Glenn_Aycock wrote: I don't know where he got them, but this guy has a huge pile of sawn curly mesquite lumber for guitars. I bet he got 'em in South Texas. Sure would like to see 'em, |
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| Author: | Glenn_Aycock [ Fri Mar 27, 2015 5:59 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: I like Mesquite! |
Next time I see him, I'll beg a few |
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