New Guy

[RFGuy]

Latest project: Tabletop Hat Rest (cowboy hats, fedora, wigs etc)
Made from a trunk of mesquite tree on my land. Sanded out to 600 and stained with natural colored high gloss sealer...

Thought you said you were a newbie at woodturning? How was that mesquite to turn? I have some here, probably a different species from where you live. I'll bet you were sharpening quite often with it...

[MrDanB]

I love the grain in mesquite, especially after stain. I know it's a very hard wood, thus, hard to turn. I have been sharpening tools a lot more frequently.
Yes, I've been turning for less than a month. Just watch videos and read. I practiced on lots of little pibe and fir 2x2's. Beads and coves and learning each chisel and their capabilities.
I'm going to make another hat holder for myself, but I'll make the base separate from the shaft and rounded top part...
I don't know what type of mesquite I have. I know I have 2 different types. I picked the long pods and roasted them in the oven. Smells like sugar cookies. Just before they get dark, I remove and cool them. Grind it up in a mill and make it in the keurig, like a normal pod. Tastes like smooth coffee. Packed full of nutrients. Indians used it in their daily life...
Happy holidays to you!
Danny B- Waco, Tx

[MrDanB]

Well...burned up the motor in the 510 machine. I have it being rebuilt now. Thanks pprime for the recommendation!
Recent projects turned on the Mark 5 machine: a candle holder from mesquite and a kitchen utensil holder, made from local cedar. I found a guy selling cedar logs, so got 2 truck loads from him. Should keep me busy for a while.