Mopani

[Frederick]

Hi all,

A local store is selling Mopani wood which has been cleaned etc. It would look OK if cast in a hybrid pen blank. I was wondering if anyone has made any pen blanks out of this root or cast it in some resin.

Cheers
Frederick

 

[wm460]

Never heard of it but this might help you.

Mopane | The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwood)

Mopane - Wikipedia

 

[pittswood]

Hi Frederick,
Mopane is a lovely wood on its own to turn. Polishes very well. This was done some three years ago and still going strong.



Regards,
Kelvin

 

[Frederick]

Thanks Kevin et al,

Just what I wanted to know. This wood is being sold as decoration in fish tanks and general aquaria, but I think I may be able to do something
different with it.

Cheers,
Frederick

 

[pittswood]

No problems, glad to help.
Kelvin

 

[Skil Phil]

Mopani is a lovely wood to work with. Hard but polishes up nicely.
The tree is also a host to the mopani worm (emperora moth).

These are a high source of protein and used in stews or eaten raw.
When on border duty the locals would come by with a wheelbarrow full of dried worms.
In those days a handful would cost if I remember 10c. Crispy on the outside and a bit chewy inside.
Alternative to biltong or potato crisps when neither is available in the bush.
After a long patrol went down well with a beer.
Cheers

 

[alan morrison]

Very appetising.

 

[angelo49]

That worm would make
a nice looking pen

 

[Penpal]

The early bird already got the worm.

Peter.

 

[Bill Mooney]

Better than going hungry Phil.

 

[wm460]

Mopani is a lovely wood to work with. Hard but polishes up nicely.
The tree is also a host to the mopani worm (emperora moth).
View attachment 40798
These are a high source of protein and used in stews or eaten raw.
When on border duty the locals would come by with a wheelbarrow full of dried worms.
In those days a handful would cost if I remember 10c. Crispy on the outside and a bit chewy inside.
Alternative to biltong or potato crisps when neither is available in the bush.
After a long patrol went down well with a beer.
Cheers

Fist thought was yuck, but then I have eaten witchetty grubs quite tasty.
So would give them ago.

Witchetty grub - Wikipedia

 

[Frederick]

Fist thought was yuck, but then I have eaten witchetty grubs quite tasty.
So would give them ago.
Cheers
Frederick


Witchetty grub - Wikipedia

I was wondering if this is where the phrase "Lovely grub" came from.

Cheers
Frederick

 

[wm460]

I was wondering if this is where the phrase "Lovely grub" came from.

Cheers
Frederick

The raw witchetty grub tastes similar to walnuts, and when cooked, the skin becomes crisp like roast chicken.

BTW Green ants up Cape Yorke taste like sorbet.:up:

Honey ants I have yet to try.