Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Mesquite - my favorite wood

I really enjoy making crosses from the beautiful piece of mesquite from Texas that was given to me years ago by a great artist in New Mexico, John Geldersma.  The natural color of the wood is pinkish; it sands so nicely.  A coat of Minwax Golden Oak stain brings out a very rich, deeper color.  These 24 crosses (2 9/16"  high) were made in a couple of weeks, including 3 coats of Arm-R-Seal satin urethane.



The original board.  Used one piece.

Resewed to result in 3 pieces, 5/16" thick after planing.

One piece results in 24 crosses

Layout using a story stick

Cutting dado

Ripping strips 1/2" wide

Sanded with corners cut

Staining with Golden Oak stain