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Lignum Vitae Finish

Joined
Feb 26, 2018
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Location
Nashville, TN
Making small items from Lignum Vitae to be hand held. Thinking of putting a bit of walnut oil finish on them and buff 'em out, but this wood is so oily in it's own right it may be "gilding the lily". No food contact, but a lot of hand holding, so a film finish probably wouldn't work. If anyone here has worked with this wood, your experiences would be appreciated. Any finish suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
 
Joined
Jan 24, 2010
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Cleveland, Tennessee
My grandson made a pen with AV. Like drilling tool steel. We wiped with acetone and applied CA. So far, so good. Gary has a a good suggestion.
I was told that AV was used for submarine bearings.
 
Joined
Dec 15, 2017
Messages
255
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Location
South Plainfield, NJ
My grandson made a pen with AV. Like drilling tool steel. We wiped with acetone and applied CA. So far, so good. Gary has a a good suggestion.
I was told that AV was used for submarine bearings.
Not just submarine bearings. A lot of ships used LV bearings for the propellers. I was given a piece of LV bearing block, basically 1/2 a bearing, because it had a check in it, and couldn't be used. I sometimes think about cutting it up and turning it, but its far more interesting as is
 
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Joined
Aug 14, 2007
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Eugene, OR
Lignum blocks were used for bandsaw blade guides for a long time. This was before 'cool blocks'. I think they also used them for the belaying pins on sail boats because they wouldn't rot, and probably made a good club.

robo hippy
 
Joined
Jun 16, 2004
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Colorado Springs, CO
I always go for a quick Beall buff and Renaissance wax. Argentine Lignum vitae makes great one-piece yo-yos, with a slick, ball bearing like axle.
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Last edited:
Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Messages
116
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Location
Nashville, TN
Thanks everyone for the help...followed your advise and just used Beal Buff and finished with Renaissance wax. They look great and feel wonderful. Thank you.
 
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