Thread: Sandlewood

Not wood working too handle but how about this hand carved coffee tamper handle?


It has one of the best silky tactile feels of any wood I know. If would be perfect for tool handles.

Originally Posted by BobL

Not wood working too handle but how about this hand carved coffee tamper handle?


It has one of the best silky tactile feels of any wood I know. If would be perfect for tool handles.

It's certainly easy to work but I was wondering about the durability in a tool handle situation.

I have seen Sandalwood sheep yards and races that were over 100 years old.

I think it is durable.

Are you sure it was sandlewood for sheep yards. I've seen Wandoo used as grating in shearing sheds but sandlewood as yards???

Originally Posted by K>60

Are you sure it was sandlewood for sheep yards. I've seen Wandoo used as grating in shearing sheds but sandlewood as yards???

Yes it was. Me being me had to poke around. Not everything was Sandalwood. It was a mixture of Cypress and Sandalwood. "Twas the odor that drew my attention. Even stood out above the lanoline and sheep piddle.

Wish I knew then what I know now!

There's durable & durable - Sandalwood may well last for a long time as yard rails, but is it tough enough for the uses K>60 is asking about? Not having used 'real' Sandalwood, I could not say, but I have used its close cousin (Exocarpus) which I believe is similar in properties, but perhaps a bit softer & less oily? It carves, turns & finishes very well, and I have made durable 3/4" wood screws for hand clamps from it, so if Sandalwood is about the same, it should make perfectly good plane knobs & totes, IMO. Best way to find out is suck it & see - you have naught but a bit of time & a couple of small pieces of wood to lose!

Cheers,

I guess that's the way to go too. I know the front knob will be no problem but the tote [or handle] is something altogether different. I've used Causurina before and that works fine for knobs but jarrah for the handle. As far as someone using Sandlewood for sheep yards I'm sure that's a load of old cobblers, but I suppose we can all err sometimes.