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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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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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"Indecision is the key to flexibility" .... Bumper sticker

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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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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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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Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right - Robert Hunter

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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Egads! It's a Mesquitasaurus Rex

Seriously Dan, cut some chunkies out of that and I promise u can sell it in the classifieds

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.

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A man hears what he wants to hear, and disreguards the rest. Paul Simon

Can't wait to see it finished Rodger!

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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

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.

Cool Charlie!
Man, it really makes the bbq smell and taste good!

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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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Next time I see him, I'll beg a few