Finished my hatchet from roots

[tercel89]

This is an old Osage Orange wood root that was buried under the ground for 20 years. We just dug it up when we replaced our sewer. This Osage Orange is rot resistant so much that it is as hard as the day that tree was cut down. Buried in the wet dirt for 20 years and still strong as ever. This wood is unbelievable. I am not a craftsman but I cut some of the root and carved out a handle and mated it to an old hatchet head . I used some of the wood to make it's own wedges and shims to snug the handle tight into the head. I'm trying to think of other things to make with the rest of the roots . I hate to throw it away . Again I say I am a mechanic and NOT a craftsman , so don't laugh . But hey I tried and it is functional 

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[mootw]

Don't apologize.  Excellent effort.  Maybe there's some advice out there on how to use the remainder of the wood.

[UncleJak]

Looks great Sent barefoot from the hills of Tennessee

[TrickyNicky]

I like it! :up:

[gregintenn]

Works for me. I've seen some beautiful revolver grips and knife handles made from osage orange wood.

[hipower]

Works for me. I've seen some beautiful revolver grips and knife handles made from osage orange wood.

 

I'm sure they look good, but how the heck do you work that wood...with a grinder?

 

Seriously though, I'd bet it is difficult to shape and polish this wood. All I know about it is that it will ruin a chain blade in about 2 seconds max.

[Guest Broomhead]

I'd take some off you hands to make knife scale. If you're looking to get rid of some that is.

[JPS]

It would probably be great for turning small projects on a lathe - pens, bottle stoppers, etc.  I have a pepper mill turned from orange osage that is beautiful.

[gregintenn]

                 https://www.google.com/search?q=osage+orange+grips&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-xTfUqryO5L5rAG_6YC4Cg&ved=0CCgQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=797

[peejman]

It would probably be great for turning small projects on a lathe - pens, bottle stoppers, etc. I have a pepper mill turned from orange osage that is beautiful.

Dad's turned a variety of things from Osage orange. The color fades over time without a hard finish.

[TrickyNicky]

https://www.google.com/search?q=osage+orange+grips&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=-xTfUqryO5L5rAG_6YC4Cg&ved=0CCgQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=797

Man some of those are sweet! I like the lighter color ones, they look like the finish Gibson uses for Korina guitars.