Velvet Mesquite Tree Trunk on the Lathe

[skycranehandwork]

Finally getting around to turning this tree trunk.

It was the only one small enough for me to lift into the bed of my truck.

I sealed the ends with latex paint, but it cracked anyways.

The heartwood was bright orange when it was fesh cut, but after a year of seasoning, it developed a rich purple hue.

I tried to rough out a shape that would save some of the sapwood.

As I started to hollow it, I decided I had to do something to control the cracks.

Going with some dovetail keys.

Still a bunch more to do, then I will put some finish on.

See ya,
Skycranehandwork

Comments

[paulmoon410]

Thats a big ol lathe

[gsm1974]

Nicely done gluing those dovetails/splines in place. Look great.

[skycranehandwork]

Thanks, they should keep it from spinning apart.

[jist]

Man that was a great idea with the dovetails. I like the way you cut a tapered on too that is a very good technique. That grain is going to pop with some oil on it.

[skycranehandwork]

Thanks, saves the trouble of cutting each key.

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[mrkstn1]

good to see you back young man....... love the wood turning......howz things in the desert world.....

[skycranehandwork]

Thanks, don’t know where the time went.

Desert ironwoods in bloom.