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Lignumvitae |
Name
Lignumvitae (Guaiacum spp.)
Type
Hardwood.
Other Names
Also known as guayacan, palo santo, and ironwood.
Sources
Composed of three species that grow in Central and
South America.
Appearance
Closely interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture.
Dark greenish brown to nearly black heartwood and
yellowish sapwood. Naturally oily with a low luster.
Physical Props
Very hard, strong, heavy, stiff, shock resistant, and
decay resistant. Not suitable for steam bending.
Working Props
Very difficult to work by machine or by hand. Turns
very well but natural resins clog sandpaper and make
gluing difficult. Polishes easily and often requires no
additional finishing.
Uses
Ideal for underwater use due to self-lubricating
properties. Used for ship propeller bushings and
bearings, mallets, rollers, casters, small wheels, pulleys,
stencil and chisel blocks, handles, and miscellaneous
turned items.
Comments
Probably the strongest and densest wood on the market.
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