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Newbie with Cholla

D

DennyG

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Dennis
Guys I am new to using cholla for anything. Bought some small pieces off eBay 1-2" diameter and 2-3 feet long, not very straight but soaked and cleaned them.

Now trying to figure out how to process pieces for use maybe on a fairly large picture frame (existing) to make a classic drawing of a roadrunner stand out.

Anyone with hints, tricks, notes, attachment methods, photos or any other info would be appreciated.

I'll send a few pix of what I got, maybe it will help.

Thanks for any ideas,
Dennis

Roadrunner.webp Cholla.webp Frame.webp
 
This is the introduction thread where you tell us about yourself and what kind of woodworking you like to do.
 
Welcome from Bulverde, TEXAS! Do you enjoy all types of woodworking? I’ve not worked with Cholla yet myself. Chuck
 
Welcome from Austria. Read our rules, ignore the Texans and reply four times to be able to post anywhere.

Nubs has loads of cholla. He can certainly help out.
 
DennyG said:
Guys I am new to using cholla for anything. Bought some small pieces off eBay 1-2" diameter and 2-3 feet long, not very straight but soaked and cleaned them.

Now trying to figure out how to process pieces for use maybe on a fairly large picture frame (existing) to make a classic drawing of a roadrunner stand out.

Anyone with hints, tricks, notes, attachment methods, photos or any other info would be appreciated.

I'll send a few pix of what I got, maybe it will help.

Thanks for any ideas,
Dennis

View attachment 291039 View attachment 291040 View attachment 291041
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Welcome from Crossville TN.
It may well be simpler to make your own frame out of flat 1x2 to make fastening easier. With a 1x2, you can use glue and pin nails to hold the cholla. Clear adhesive will definitely be best since not all of it will disappear behind the cholla.
I personally would use a tablesaw to make a flat side on the Cholla.
But I am a piddler not a picture framer.
 
Dennis, welcome to WB. There are a bunch of people here who can help you in your projects.

Since I love the desert and what it has to offer, I spend a lot of time in it. Since I can collect Cholla skeletons on BLM land without a permit, I usually collect a bunch when I'm out and about.

There are two varieties that can make some outstanding projects. What you show looks more like the Versecolor Cholla. The arms don't get too much larger than what you show and are hard to make something as large as what you want, but can be done if you have the tools for it, and seeing your table saw, it looks like you just might have the proper equipment.

If you have a jointer, my recommendation would be to joint a flat spot on one side on all pieces you need. Then with a router, cut a rabbet on the jointered side for the picture and glass?. Cut the corners and assemble the frame with a routed groove at each corner to match a 90 degree something to hold the corners together. Put the frame together, then cut your picture to fit the frame.

You could make a frame from your choice of wood, and insert Cholla lumber into a groove. I'm calling it lumber as it's been cut into dimensional pieces.

The other Cholla is what you could or should use is the Fulgida Cholla, or Jumping Cactus. With the proper OD and length, you can actually make lumber from it. If you want any more info, don't hesitate to ask. ............ Nubs
 
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Awesome replies guys! I've got something to start on and I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again!!
 
Look in the "Box Pictures - Everyone" thread for a couple boxes in which I used cholla. One had some thin strips inlaid, some have panels made in the lids. Some have epoxy filling.
 
DennyG said:
Awesome replies guys! I've got something to start on and I'll keep you posted on my progress. Thanks again!!
Click to expand...
Dennis, what is the size of that picture you want to build the Cholla frame for? I think I'm gonna get me some of the Versecolor sticks and do what I mentioned in my post above. It'll be a few days before I do it, but I'm gonna try. ............ Nubs
 
Nubsnstubs said:
Dennis, what is the size of that picture you want to build the Cholla frame for? I think I'm gonna get me some of the Versecolor sticks and do what I mentioned in my post above. It'll be a few days before I do it, but I'm gonna try. ............ Nubs
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Ok, I lied, i started it a few minutes ago. Got it flattened some, and miters cut. It's now time to refine it before I cut the rabbets.
I'm gonna start a new post, " Cholla Frame" in the woodworking forum. Go there for current pictures. .......... Nubs
 
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