Ipe, ever use it?

mattd

mattd

Joined
Oct 6, 2003
Messages
252
I went to the lumber yard today and asked for the hardest, toughest stuff they have, they handed me Ipe. I bought a couple feet of it. Has anyone ever used Ipe for a handle? Did you use Linseed oil? before wasting time and possibly more, I thought I would ask.

Matt deClercq
 
Nope! but here

(Tabebuia spp)
Color: Light to dark olive brown with greenish caste, often with lighter or darker streaks.

The Tree: May grow to 140-150 feet in height with trunk diameters of 72" and frequently to heights of 100 feet and diameters of 24-36". Boles are clear to 60 feet and more, with or without buttresses.

The Wood: A strong, tough, resilient wood. Naturally durable and weather resistant. Moderately difficult to work especially with hand tools; has a blunding effect on cutting edges, finishes smoothly except where grain is very roey.

Typical Uses: Furniture, flooring, industrial uses, tool handles, exterior applications, decking.

Source Region: Mexico, Central and South America
 
Sorry, never heard of it. What's it look like.

Last time I went somewhere and asked that I got Tess. No, no, just kidding!:D ;) :D
 
I have seen it used for knife handles. I think it is a type of Brazilian version of walnut or something like that.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
thats the stuff. I can't believe how heavy it is. I've had problems posting pictures. I can't get them small enough to post. Anyways, I'll use the Ipe soon and give a report. I called a contractor friend of mine and he said I should be able to find a bunch of scrap for free because the fire marshal is making everyone use it if they are building new decks. I guess the stuff is not flamable.
 
Beat me to it J. :) I use "IPE!!!" every time I pick up that blank that I'm sure was cooled by now.

Tim
 
Originally posted by J. Neilson
Sorry, never heard of it. What's it look like.

Last time I went somewhere and asked that I got Tess. No, no, just kidding!:D ;) :D
Click to expand...
I am going to tell.:eek: :eek:
 
i've seen it before, infact theres a big piece in IG's cellar. my father works on martha's vineyard and he scored a few pieces for me. it is some type of brazillian version of walnut or cherry (something dark) get this they ordered it for flooring for a horse barn and for a deck off of the horse barn. not bad huh? a nice expensive hardwood for horses. not sure of too much about it all i know is its hard has a nice even color, fine grain, and this stuff stayed outside in new england weather in the rain sleet snow etc. for about 5 years and seems to be in pretty darn good condition considering. not sure if thats any help to you
 
It looks kind of tri-dimensional after finished and will make a great knife handle.
 
Here's some on a knife I made.The wood is very hard but the stuff I had was rather plain.Good stuff for working knives.Dave:)
fcd306b0.jpg
 
Ipe is a very dense wood. When we bought ipe it was also called Asian ironwood.

We sent in a piece to test stabilant penetration. When the test piece returned we measured .020-.030 penetration.

Ipe is so dense it is used for outdoor decks in the Seattle area. Untreated is lasts 20 years. We have a cedar deck that I’ve treated twice with Thompsons water seal in ten years. There are several boards I’ll have to replace next summer.

When choosing ipe look pieces with curl. They are rare but beautiful.
 
Originally posted by HammerFall
i've seen it before, infact theres a big piece in IG's cellar. my father works on martha's vineyard and he scored a few pieces for me. it is some type of brazillian version of walnut or cherry (something dark) get this they ordered it for flooring for a horse barn and for a deck off of the horse barn. not bad huh? a nice expensive hardwood for horses. not sure of too much about it all i know is its hard has a nice even color, fine grain, and this stuff stayed outside in new england weather in the rain sleet snow etc. for about 5 years and seems to be in pretty darn good condition considering. not sure if thats any help to you
Click to expand...
HammerHead, that isn't the color of the wood downstairs. It is redish and it is Brazilian Cherry Turkey.:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
 
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