Two Agarita Root Retros

[OKLAHOMAN]

A couple of months ago Gary Max had some Agarita root for sale that needed casting, here is the result of a couple that I had cast and just got around to turning.
Top--Cast black PR
Bottom-- Blue and coral.
As always all comments welcome.

 

[bitshird]

Nice cast Roy, I like the Blue and Coral,

 

[VisExp]

My vote goes to the black PR cast. That root sure has an unusual color, it's beautiful.

 

[papaturner]

I`d hate to pick......Both are beautiful,excellent work.

 

[toolcrazy]

Both are gorgeous. Nice work.

 

[altaciii]

Great looking pens Roy! I have quite a bit of agarita root and have not gotten around to casting it. I've had my moments of doubt about how they would turn out. After seeing these, no more doubts. Both are beatutful!

 

[nava1uni]

Beautiful pens. Is this a tree or a bush?

 

[angelofdeath]

Roy, those are some fine looking pens you made there.....can't wait to get back and learn a few things from ya.

 

[broitblat]

Some beautiful figure and color in those pens.

I think the blue/coral creates more contrast, but the black looks somehow more "natural". I don't think that makes either of them better than the other, just different -- and I like them both.

-Barry

 

[Ligget]

Both are perfect!

 

[MesquiteMan]

Beautiful pens. Is this a tree or a bush?

Agarita is a bush that grows in Texas. There is no significant usable wood in the bush itself, thus the need to use the root. Agarita root is one of the first woods I used when coming up with the "Worthless Wood" tutorial.

Here is more information about the actual bush:
http://uvalde.tamu.edu/herbarium/matr.htm

It has very fragrant flowers in the spring that turn into small red berries that are very tart. A couple of years ago I collected a 5 gallon bucket full and made a bunch of jelly. It was really good!

BTW, beautiful pens, Roy!