I once read an article that there are certain woods, that when used together with another type of wood, become more slick the more they are rubbed together.
This is great for door slides and wooden screws, etc.., but I can’t find the article or remember the wood types. Does anyone here recall this, or have the article? I can’t find it anywhere and I don’t remember the publication.
I want to make a small workbench with wooden vise screws. If I didn’t read the article I would probably just make it, but knowing that the knowledge is out there and I can’t find it is driving me mad!!!
Replies
There's a wood called lignum vitae (sp?) that has natural lubricants.
Ken & Dave
I was told by a friend, a few years ago that this wood (lignum vitae) was used as self-lubricating blocks for the prop shaft in huge ships, and perhaps still is. This friend said that he used to get a lot of it when they replaced the shaft blocks in ships (he lived on the coast). It is most commonly used today in heavy wooden mallets, and is listed by many import wood suppliers.Woody
Yes, I'm familiar with the lignum vitae (ironwood), and yes they do use them for prop shafts. The article I read mentioned the use of two different common hardwoods, that when used together they become more and more slick with use. They are supposed to be great for drawer slides, sliding doors, etc. I thought someone would recall this. I'm sure I will find the article again one day. I need to get organized and make an index.
Thanks guys
It was used as a bearing & seal where the shaft passed thru the hull. I think I had questions about it on every one of my Navy rating tests (MM3, MM2, & MM1), but I don't think I ever actually saw any. - lol
lignum vitae.. Ironwood...
Yep.. and you need a Navy shipyard to work that wood!
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