Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Apr 05, 2005 03:54am | #1

   >> What will the wood do to my noncarbide blades on my jointer, planer and bandsaw?

   It will dull them faster than most domestic furniture woods, but not as fast as teak, black locust, cocobolo, ipe, etc.

   >> Should I pass on this wood?

   Only you can decide. If you like the looks of the wood, or you're getting a really good price on it, or it's particularly well suited to a piece you want to build, or shows some other advantage, it may be very well worth the accelerated wear on your tools. You're going to have to sharpen or replace all your blades eventually, no matter what wood you use.

2. 
   frenchy | Apr 05, 2005 07:24pm | #2

   jpohja,

     How much of a hassle is it for you to sharpen stuff?  For me I take it out and put a another set of blades (edges etc.) in and then when I have a bunch of them I drop them off at the guy who does my sharpening.  (I foolishly used to sharpen everything myself and never got things as sharp as a pro could)  I have several spare sets of blades edges etc. so It's only as inconvient for me to the degree it takes time to remove and replace..

    If you don't have spare blades etc.  then it will be far more inconvient for you. Maybe you've never sharpened your blades?  Maybe it's been awhile since you've experianced the pure joy of freshly sharpened cutting edges?  For the few dollars that a fresh sharpening can cost if you think you'll like the looks of the wood then go for it! 

3. 
   philip | Apr 06, 2005 01:38pm | #3

   Yes, I have some experience with Afromosia-but have not known it to be called African teak, only other name I know is kokrodua and its botanical name is Pericopsis.
   It is very hard and dense but works nicely-there is not much silica or abrasive stuff in it but tungsten is the way to go or things will get dull quickly. If you have good grade stuff I would definitely not "pass it on" as it takes a nice finish and is very stable.
   Where did you get it from- I thought this timber was no longer available as it is on the list of protected species/CITES or whatever???