Replies

1. 
   Rich14 | Nov 24, 2006 09:49pm | #1

   bps,

   The term Ironwood is used to refer to both a a specific wood, Arizona Desert Ironwood, and to a variety of other very hard woods such as Ipe, Kiave, Mesquite. Do you know that your wood is actually "Ironwood?"

   They are all very hard and take their toll on tools. Planing will not kill your plane, just dull your knives, or possibly nick them, requiring regrinding/sharpening, normal upkeep.

   On the other hand, a belt sander will do a good job. Start with 40-60 grit, finish up with 120.

   Rich

1. 
   bps | Nov 24, 2006 11:26pm | #2

   I am certain it is not mequite. Don't believe it to be ipe either. It is as hard  and dense as anything I have worked with. This is left over wood off of a shadow box patio cover. One piece is 44 x 44 by 18 feet. I am a big guy, but it's all i can do to move this chunk!

   Thanks for the input. I'll go sloww and see what comes of it. Tim

1. 
   wrudiger | Nov 25, 2006 12:09am | #3

   Buy a spare set of blades (these are the replaceable ones, aren't they?) and take very shallow cuts.  You'll be fine.

2. 
   Rich14 | Nov 25, 2006 12:57am | #4

   Tim. It's unlikely to be actual "Ironwood if it's that size. Maybe Ipe. Ipe is VERY heavy.

3. 
   JMartinsky | Nov 25, 2006 02:51am | #5

   Dear B,
   "It is as hard and dense as anything I have worked with", that sounds like Ipe. Ipe has the rather strange property of producing a yellowish-green sawdust dust, even though the wood is a deep brown. Other than oder, which is pretty subjective, I am not sure how else to decide what it is. If it is Ipe, I can tell you that it is murder to machine. Everything must be razor sharp, or forget it. Sanding it is just as fun. WEAR A MASK! If you can, use dust collection. I have never used a drum or wide belt, so I can only offer a caution to take light cuts and go slowly. If it's not Ipe, it doesn't sound too far off of the mark. I was a bit confused by your reference to 4/4 x 4/4. I'm not sure if you mean 1" x 1" which shouldn't be too tough to move, on the other hand an 18' piece of Ipe 4x4 would be over 100 lbs lbs.Good Luck,John

1. 
   bps | Nov 25, 2006 03:35am | #6

   J, you are correct on my miss quote on dimension. The wood measures  a true 4 in by 4 in by 18 ft. It is well over 100lbs. All knives are new and correctly installed. I appreciate the feed by, thanks all. I will post pics when done. Tim

2. 
   TomHigby | Nov 29, 2006 04:12am | #7

   The name "ironwood" is also appliled to the native American hornbeam, a light colored heavy aand hard small tree.

   Tom