OK – if you didn’t think I was nuts before maybe this will convince you.
While down here (in Yuma AZ) visiting my parentws, my Dad asked me if I’d dig up a couple cactus stumps in his front yard. Before you ask, I have no idea what kind of cactus it is – just that the cross section is like the opposite of a normal ‘tree’; the pith is soft & spongey, then there’s a section about 3/4 of the radius that’s pretty dense (and interesting looking) then there’s the skin or bark which is again somewhat soft.
These logs aren’t very big around but in my usual fanatical aproach to scrounging ‘stuff’ I says to myself, “Self, I’ll bet you could get some interesting display or accent pieces from this stuff”. So sure ’nuff, i’ve got one “log” about 12″ long split and drying in the AZ sun and the other whole, in a plastic bag in the storage bin of the RV. I’ll rip these up on the bandsaw when I get home and see what’s inside. Just wondering if anyone ever had the audacity to try making something out of cactus …. uhhhh….. wood.
Never a dull moment!! (hehehe)
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Replies
Dennis, I used cactus to make a set of lamps years ago. The hard tissue turned out to be a tube about 3" in diameter with a multitude of holes through the 1/2" thick walls of it. The lamps were not only a conversation piece, but also very functional. I think my daughter is still using one of them.
Jon
I knew you wouldn't fail me!
I split one short small log just to see what was within. As expected, the center was quite pithy. Since posting that message I've met a couple people around here (Yuma AZ) who have collected some specimens of cactus "skeletons". They're rather fascinating.
I'm thinking this particular type of cactus, with the somewhat dense 'tube' around this pithy center, might yield some interesting slips of accent stuff. I'm eager to get it home where I can machine it some.
Dennis in Bellevue WA
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