Replies

1. 
   user-5880422 | Oct 30, 2003 11:43pm | #1

   I've seen some ipe handrail that started life as 8/4, but have not seen anything other than 3/4, 4/4, and 5/4 ipe. As far as the surface checking, I don't think you are going to get away from that, it seems more due to the fact that ipe doesn't have much of a grain.

   it's a nice wood, but I'm not a big fan of it after working with it and maintaining it for a couple of years. Left exposed, it goes from reddish brown to muddy brown pretty quick. Our ipe deck is rather beautiful when I finish it with Penofin. Don't get me wrong, I would use it again on a deck, but for outdoor furniture I will stick with teak and for handtools I'd still go with rosewood, cocobolo, cheery, or walnut.

   How about wenge? Have you done any handles with that wood?

2. 
   jvs | Oct 31, 2003 12:57am | #2

   Mike, I've seen it occasionally in lumber lists, but the only source that I have confirmed for it in 8/4 is http://www.finehouse.net.  You might find something closer at http://www.woodfinder.com.  I've seen interior stuff made from scraps leftover froma deck project--finished with oil and wax, it is beautiful stuff, but the guy who did it said he never would again because of the difficulty of working it.  I'm sure you already know that part; if you are willing to put up with the hardness in shaping and accounted for movement, it would be a very nice handle wood.

   /jvs

    

3. 
   KyleZ | Oct 31, 2003 01:00am | #3

   Mike,

   I buy Ipe 2x4's and 2x6's at my local lumber yard.  I do have to order it a week or so in advance.  I've gotten 4x4's as well.

   You may want to check with Steve Knight of Knight Toolworks (http://www.knight-toolworks.com) to see where he gets his Ipe.  He uses Ipe for plane soles.  Recently he has offered planes made entirely of Ipe on Ebay.

   By the way, the knob and tote that you made for that Union plane worked well.  Sorry, I did not acknowledge it sooner.

   Cheers

   Kyle

4. 
   UncleDunc | Oct 31, 2003 01:05am | #4

   I've seen it around on the web. Google for

   ipe "dimension lumber"

5. 
   DKZimm | Nov 01, 2003 04:34am | #5

   Mike,

   I don't know if you ever get up to Austin, but we have a couple of suppliers here in town that have just about any size ipe you might want. Here's a link to one supplier, they're very friendly and helpful!

   http://www.ipe-wood.com/index.html

   Hope this information helps.

   Don Z.

   If I was doing any better, I couldn't hardly stand it!
6. 
   JMartinsky | Nov 01, 2003 01:20pm | #6

   Where are you located? What State?

   John

1. 
   PlaneWood | Nov 02, 2003 03:44am | #7

   John - I'm in Katy TX, just west of Houston.  I found a place over in Austin that looks like they will ship.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

1. 
   JMartinsky | Nov 02, 2003 05:41pm | #8

   Very good! Hope all goes well!

   John