Last fall I cut down a very old mock orange shrub growing next to our foundation. The wood looked kind of interesting, so I kept several of the larger chunks, mostly 2-6 inch diameter, 2-3 feet long stuff. The other day I decided to see how it machined and crosscut a smaller piece; I haven't ripped it yet, but what I got on the crosscut is encouraging: very dense, tight grain with a mellow nut-beige color (kinda like raw cashew nuts or sesame seeds, but a shade or two darker) and a glass-smooth surface (from a dull blade!). My first thought was to make a few percussion instrutments, striking tools and tool handles. It would also make a beautiful inlay on a dark, contrasting base. I'll let you know what I do with it.
So I'm wondering what other unusual woods have been used, by whom, for what?
My gloat: from our local city mulch site I scored two 3' long sections of 8" dia. log that appear to be apple, and am going back for a 6'-6" dia. piece. It is pretty twisty, but the color is incredible--oranges, reds and pinks, with the paler heartwood.
Dan