Where do the mesquite trees come from?
All of the mesquite trees we harvest are destined to come down for one reason or another. We have obtained mesquite trees from: Federal land agencies conducting land restoration projects, road improvement projects; private land owners; downed trees as a result of storms, and more. All of the mesquite trees are harvested in Arizona and typically in desert areas.
Are there other types of wood available?
There are over 40 species of mesquite worldwide and we specialize in one known as Velvet Mesquite (prosopsis veluntina), indigenous to the Sonoran Desert. Walking the yard at the Sawmill, you’ll see mesquite in various forms: lumber, root balls, limbs, remnants, cross cuts, trunk bases. There is also a small inventory of ironwood ($9/lb).
Why is velvet mesquite wood and products expensive?
Tumacacori Mesquite Sawmill harvests their own trees, mills it into lumber, and produces fine custom interiors. While the woodworking process is not unique, the processing time from harvesting to cured lumber to finished product could take months to a year! There are no major manufacturing systems or high levels of production, only skilled hands creating desert heirlooms one at a time. If you’ve looked at the mesquite trees in the desert, you’ll notice that there aren’t forests of good-sized, usable trunks … that are straight! Large velvet mesquite trees are hard to come by. Again, we specialize in one of over 4o species of mesquite (5 in Arizona) which makes our lumber very unique but very special.
What are the black streaks in the finished pieces?
Mesquite growth in the desert is subject to extremely harsh conditions of the desert. These conditions create tremendous character in the wood. Some people call the character “defects or flaws”. These characteristics are natural and is the prime reason many are drawn to the beauty of mesquite. The black you see in a finished product is a polyester resin fill with black pigment added. You may also see alternative pigment fillings to include: turquoise or other stones, glass, copper, etc.
Where else can I find “The Sawmill’s” products?
Our mesquite lumber and products are found only at our beautiful location in Tumacacori, Arizona. Our cutting boards and crosses are sold in various gift shops and galleries throughout Arizona and in other states. If you want to place an order, please use our “contact us” link on our website to begin the discussions of what your requirements are and we’ll work with you to identify the right piece of lumber or to design and create the finished interior piece you’re looking for. Yes, we do ship (minimum order of $150, not including shipping costs).
Does TMS buy logs, lumber or other raw mesquite products?
Bottom line, yes to logs or trees. However, keep in mind that we specialize in VELVET MESQUITE only. Other mesquite trees found in residential or commercial areas are usually planted for landscaping and has been trimmed or cropped. This creates inlets for water and can cause rot inside the tree. Velvet Mesquite trees found in the desert typically have not been subjected to trimming and are healthy and solid. We do not purchase lumber since we mill our own. If you have root balls or burls, we may be interested in those. Please contact us and send us a photo of what you have and we’ll let you know if it is something we can use at the Sawmill.
Do we ship?
Absolutely! Particularly within the continental US.