use them as a feature..

 

I'm also going with sticks idea... use them as permanent hour/minute hands
The clock on the left is at 8:11 and the one on the right is at 10:22 :wink:
on a more serious note - be careful with that mesquite - I once got a nasty lung infection
with the sawdust. I found it also a very hard wood but beautiful when finished!

 

Not sure it would look any better if you filled them. And as they dry further, the cracking will probably expand a bit. I'm with Stick on this one.

 

I would fill them with epoxy and then use butterflies (Dutchmen) to keep them from cracking further.

 

Ultimately it's your call, but I'd use as is.

 

How long have they been cut? General rule is let them season a year per inch of thickness.

 

I would just let them dry. If you are going to put a clock face on them, they will cover the crack. If you ar just going to put the numbers on them, then just leave them as a feature. If they grow too large for you then when they have dried out fill them with epoxy.
Herb

 

I agree with Herb. Leave the cracks for now as features and epoxy later if needed.

Frank

 

Gotta go with Stick on this.

 

where we going???
they have coffee there and maybe some pizza???

 

Do nothing

 

I'm going against the grain here, and suggest filling the cracks with epoxy or super glue. I'd be concerned that routing out the back for the clock body would lead to the cracks getting larger, and the possibility of the wood warping.

 

Another idea for the cracks in mesquite wood

I used to work at a lamp manufacturing company (small local business) which made mesquite lamp bases from logs and copper shades to top them. Our lamp bases were unique and beautiful, because the natural cracks were cleaned out using a Dremel tool, then filled with epoxy mixed with finely crushed turquoise. It creates a stunning look and no two lamps are the same.

Just wanted to toss that out there as food for thought. A clock done that way would be beautiful. Here's a link to their web page, so you can check out what I mean.

Google... W. Kohler Lamps... to see the inlaid mesquite bases I'm referring to. I'm unable to post the link here.

 

I used to work at a lamp manufacturing company (small local business) which made mesquite lamp bases from logs and copper shades to top them. Our lamp bases were unique and beautiful, because the natural cracks were cleaned out using a Dremel tool, then filled with epoxy mixed with finely crushed turquoise. It creates a stunning look and no two lamps are the same.

Just wanted to toss that out there as food for thought. A clock done that way would be beautiful. Here's a link to their web page, so you can check out what I mean.

Google... W. Kohler Lamps... to see the inlaid mesquite bases I'm referring to. I'm unable to post the link here.

Those are beautiful lamps, thank you for posting that link.

Herb

 

Turquoise Inlay : W. Kohler Lamp Company, Handcrafted Copper Lampshades

 

@WhiteRavenNM3 Welcome to the Forum. When my dad came to the US in 1923, he set up a little botique lamp making business. They painted patterns on the inside of glass vessels that were turned into lamps. Got it set up in NYC, but the place burned down. We used to have a sample at one time, but no idea where it is now. I think I've seen something like what you suggested and it is really striking and would really make a nice looking clock.

 

Mesquite is a most stable wood but to help retain the bark use thin CA glue to flood bark and lock it in place.

 

What do you thin CA with, or are you talking about the thin version of CA glue?

Herb

 

I would leave the cracks as is...but...if you want to fill them, I would use a filler that expands with the wood, if it continues to spread.

Sikaflex comes in colors...take a peek for grinsies.

Good luck...beautiful wood...

 

You can take some of the sawdust when you sand and mix with glue and rub it into the cracks. I often use ca glue for this on turnings. Ca is also great for holding the bark on as it wicks down.

 

Thanks for the opinions. Several mentioned CA glue and I got a strange comment from one of my neighbors the other day. He was over and went to the ice box to get a drink. He noticed I had a bottle of Starbond CA Glue in the refrigerator. He thought it was funny that I kept my CA in the fridge. The cold in the fridge keeps the CA from hardening up. I use the CA on turning pens and other small objects as finish.

Thanks I think I will use the CA on the bark and epoxy on the cracks. I will mix something with the epoxy, sawdust or possible the turquoise. I have been looking at the Aluminite for casting for turning and that may work for the mesquite as well.

Lots to think about, will post the finished product when ready.

 

Just a few ideas.