Texas Mesquite?

[WoodWrangler]

This past week was spent at the K/BIS trade show in Las Vegas. While there I found a dealer selling custom flooring and other items (countertops, etc) made from (what he called) Texas Mesquite. I've heard of mesquite -- like in smoking food -- but wasn't familiar with it as a woodworking option.

What do you know about this "Texas Mesquite"? And where can I get my hands on some?

 

[DaveO]

Texas :lol: :lol: :lol: Mesquite is a scraggly, scrubby tree that really doesn't develop a substantial trunk like we are familiar with in Oak/Maple etc. It is hard to find it in long wide boards. But due to it's twisted contorted nature, it produced wood with a lot of character

http://www.texasmesquitelumber.com/

http://www.uniquemesquite.com/properties.htm

http://www.desertusa.com/jan97/du-smesquite.html

I have turned a few pens out of it, and it is a great wood to work with, and has a nice smell when cut.
Dave

 

[ashley_phil]

not much makes lumber. and not much of the lumber made makes it out of TX rough. i have several customers that specialize in making it in to furniture and flooring.

 

[jeff...]

Might want to try http://www.texaskilnproducts.com/Products/lumber.htm

 

[Nativespec]

The majority of the wood is in the root system. In Big Bend National Park (in Texas) they say: "climb for water and dig for wood."

 

[Sir Chiz]

There are several species of mesquite that grow in the southern US and down through central America, I find it hard to believe there is a species that "only" grows in Texas. ;-)
Sure makes nice Turnin' stock, smells like bar-b-que. :-D

Messkeet bowl, 9.58"

Black Messkeet jar 6.25x4.5"

Phil.

 

[NCPete]

Nice bowl and jar Phil! Where is the coin for size reference???? 'cause post says that one of 'em is over 9 inches! seems out of character:lol:

 

[Sir Chiz]

Thanks Pete, I've already been called on that. :lol:

Wifes' motto, "if it doesn't move, fill it with pooporee". :roll: :lol:

 

[NCPete]

That is a really nice piece, some day I will try that turning thing..... but I am holding out as long as I can.

 

[MikeH]

Both of those pieces are nice. I especially like the taller one. The colors on it are unique.