Orange Agate For scales/handle?

DanF

DanF

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Found nothing in the search function, and nothing on the web other than a mention for turning and knife handles. Was looking for some info on finishing techniques. Darn stuff seems as hard as gaboon ebony, but maybe not as dense.
Anyone ever use it?
Thanks
 
The only orange agate I am familiar with is a stone (chalcedony). It will take lapidary equipment to cut, shape, and polish it. A member here named Redrummd is an expert on srtone handles, IIRC.
 
Hmmm.
Orange agate, I dunno its Latin name, But there is a wood with that colloquial name.
Its very orange & stripey.
 
I did some checking and there is a Canadian wood seller selling it. He says it is a South American hardwood with stripes. Color ranges from brown to orange.

A little more checking on some wood databases and it is Macacauba - AKA hormigo, sometimes called orange agate. The name comes from the stripes that resemble an agate slab.
 
I found this at Woodcraft, the price was right so I thought I'd try it. I'll do a search for Macacauba and see what comes up for finishing. May end up being just a waxable type of wood. It is developing a decent sheen at 600 grit. By itself, not that spectacular but looks decent with a secondary wood to accent it.
Thanks guys.IMG_20170808_122908.jpg IMG_20170808_122837.jpg
 
Mechanically its a fine wood. Hard, rough, durable. The issue is the pattern is a little hard to see over a small area. The alternating black and orange lines are rather spread apart and it works much better for something like a large turned handle.

IT will work fine though.
 
IT may well be appropriate for this, I've now found 3 other names for IT.
 
Got around to getting the finish on this. I think I like this wood.IMG_20171011_230227.jpg
 
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