Osage orange wood

[fuzzyscroller]

So, when I was learning to turn bowls on a lathe I was introduced to a species of wood; Osage orange, aka,  Hedge apple. It has yellow tinted flesh, some times will contain a red streak cause by I do believe if I remember correctly, a bacteria that gets in the tree. I was told this was such a valuable wood the native American Indians, they would trade two horse for one bow made from this species. it is very hard, burns extremely hot and medium dense wood. One of my all time favorite species to work with. I shared a picture of the piece I found I forgot I had, but now I am not sure what project to use it for. I could cut couple small projects then find something really nice for the rest of it. 

[barb.j.enders]

I would be suggesting an Intarsia piece.  Sunflower, bee, something like that.

[TAIrving]

It is also known as Bois d'arc. I also like working with it and it is good for intarsia as it has such a unique orange color. 

Unfortunately, the color all too soon fades to brown.  I wish I knew how to preserve the color.  

[Dan]

I also like the wood but won't use it for intarsia. If you protect it from UV light and oxygen it will slow down the darkening process but will eventually turn brown. 

I like it for bowls and pens. 

[fuzzyscroller]

On 8/23/2026 at 9:43 AM, Dan said:

I also like the wood but won't use it for intarsia. If you protect it from UV light and oxygen it will slow down the darkening process but will eventually turn brown. 

I like it for bowls and pens. 

oh yes I turned on bowl years ago a very good mentored me in that, I enjoyed it. I cut a rose out of this and not sure what I want to do with the rest of it. 

[Fish]

We have  Osage orange trees all over the place around farm fields and the lake and creeks  here where I’m from.  I have used it to make a cane or walking stick.  It will last forever. I’ve seen fence posts made with it in old fence lines around farms.  I use Teak oil to seal it.  I’m not sure what else I’d use it for.  I’ve seen farmers cut down and burn a line of those trees to expand their fields.  Sad waste. 
I’ve used a smaller piece to make a vase also.  I used a test tube to hold the flowers.  I’m not sure what else you  could make from it. It like other wood has to dry awhile   Then it’s hard as a brick. We use them to go hiking too.  

[fuzzyscroller]

OH yes the guy who introduce it to me was turning bowls on a lathe and if memory serves me right we or i turned one of that species. He was telling how they don't get much bigger than 12" in diameter and if you found one 16 you're doing good. Did you give away the cane made from Osage? I would love to have one made from that species. I do use a cane for my bad left hip. 

[fuzzyscroller]

On 8/23/2026 at 9:43 AM, Dan said:

I also like the wood but won't use it for intarsia. If you protect it from UV light and oxygen it will slow down the darkening process but will eventually turn brown. 

I like it for bowls and pens. 

hey Dan i am curious what drill bits do you use for scroll saw fret cuts? I bought some from Harbor freight but the small ones keep breaking, I need a high quality small but set, what do you suggest?

[Dan]

On 8/26/2026 at 9:12 PM, fuzzyscroller said:

hey Dan i am curious what drill bits do you use for scroll saw fret cuts? I bought some from Harbor freight but the small ones keep breaking, I need a high quality small but set, what do you suggest?

I bought a few mini twist drill bits (#57 - #65) many years ago but don't remember where I got them. I know https://mikesworkshop.com/ sells them. I use to brake them when I used a handheld drill. Now I use a drill press and haven't broken any, hence the reason I still have them. 

[Jim McDonald]

On 8/26/2026 at 9:12 PM, fuzzyscroller said:

hey Dan i am curious what drill bits do you use for scroll saw fret cuts? I bought some from Harbor freight but the small ones keep breaking, I need a high quality small but set, what do you suggest?

@Denny Knappen also sells numbered bits at Art Crafters. Do yourself a favor and get the drill chuck adaptor at the same time. Makes handling those tiny bits easier.

Edited 18 hours ago by Jim McDonald

[fuzzyscroller]

18 hours ago, Dan said:

I bought a few mini twist drill bits (#57 - #65) many years ago but don't remember where I got them. I know https://mikesworkshop.com/ sells them. I use to brake them when I used a handheld drill. Now I use a drill press and haven't broken any, hence the reason I still have them. 

oh yes I was thinking a drill press would be better for the fragile buts. I dont have a shop area, just my apartment, but i my be able to get a press kit for my hand held. Thanks for the suggestion I will check them out soon

[fuzzyscroller]

2 hours ago, Jim McDonald said:

@Denny Knappen also sells numbered bits at Art Crafters. Do yourself a favor and get the drill chuck adaptor at the same time. Makes handling those tiny bits easier.

Thank you I will find an easier way from everyone's suggestions thanks