Woodturning Small Mouth Vase From Green Mesquite

Mesquite Vase

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This vase is mesquite. I obtained it several months ago from Mark, a viewer from Phoenix, AZ. I turned it green about three months ago. Normally, I cannot trust leaving the pith in the wood. Actually, I did not leave the pith in this log either. Instead, I bored it out and hollowed the vase from the bottom. I planned to use another piece of mesquite to plug the hole later when the wood was dry.

Since mesquite has a very low moisture content, it only took two months to dry.

The vase is almost 9 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter, finished with walnut oil.

Enjoy!

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12 Responses to “Woodturning Small Mouth Vase From Green Mesquite”

  1. Rich Colvin says:

    Alan,

    I really like what you made. Really nicely done. As for the finish, I am a fan of the matte finish also. I agree that it brings out the beauty of the wood better.

    And I like the hollowing from the bottom. Frankly, only a wood turner would know or care. And most people will never remove it from the shelf to even look. So what we can do to make the process easier is all the more welcome.

    Great work, and great video.

    Kind regards,
    Rich

  2. Peter Morris says:

    Beautiful, we do not have mesquite in South Africa, but I do have a piece of green Guava tree branch that I will try. I am in favour of a “Gloss” finish but will try both gloss and matt as I have sufficient wood for this project. If it turns out ok, I will send photo’s or add to my designer firewood stock. regards

    • I would love to try guava. but it does not grow here either and I’m not planning a trip to South Africa any time soon. 🙂
      Plus, import regulations would be a killer.
      Alan

  3. ray charles says:

    HEY ALLEN !!!

    May this find you well …

    Enjoy and have learned much , thanks .

    Short and sweet : if you want shinny

    turn plastic .

  4. Peter Lederer says:

    Never was able to get wet mesquite. Dry is not easy to turn, but a beautiful wood. Enjoyed your presentation. As for the record, I do not like a matte or high gloss finish. I like semi-gloss. Matte does not look like the piece is finished and high gloss looks like a plastic finish. But then again, small pieces usually do well with a high gloss. I look forward to all your videos. Thanks……

  5. Peter Chast says:

    Nice presentation.. That’s an interesting wood. I like the piece.

    I’m not a great fan of gloss finish, although I have used it on some projects. In the little I do I’m using a shellac and mat wax on things to let the wood speak for itself.

  6. Joe Haas says:

    Alan: I generally like a satin finish but appreciate all types.