Thread: Lignum Vitae

Johnno, lignum vitae was used 'as' bearings to support propellor shafts on ships due to its density and natuiral oiliness.
I have a few pieces much like yours and I have only used it to make key ring ornaments although it would probably make a nice black piece for a chess set.
I threw a piece in the swimming pool once to see what its qualities were like and I found it similar to a block of cast iron (probably a touch harder).

It is still used for bearings on ships. It is the best timber by far for the head of a carvers mallet. Used to be used for making Lawn bowls (bias bowls) - I'll wait for the smart remarks on that one. The bowling balls for the skittles hall at Soverign Hill are made from it, I still have some of the offcuts from the making of them.

The really good stuff starts out a dark honey colour and ends up a deep green. It has interlocking (herringbone paterned) grain and can be a bit inclined to pick-out in turning.

If you ever intend doing any carving do yourself s favour and turn the head of your mallet with it. You have about 8 small heads in each block.

Can anyone tell me the common name for Lignum Vitae and it's country of origin ?

Regards,



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Glenn Visca

Hi Glenn,
Lignum Vitae is the Common Name. A search of britannica will give you more info
Lignum Vitae

From the above reference (paraphrased) -
Several species of the genus Guaiacum, of the family Zygophyllaceae, particularly G. officinale, occurs from the southern United States to northern South America.

There are two native Australian species which share the common name Lignum Vitae however the 'true' Lignum Vitae are listed above. Austromyrtus bidwillii and Premna lignum-vitae (ref www.anbg.gov.au )

I Hope the above is of some use to you.

cheers,
Lance

[This message has been edited by Lance (edited 15 January 2001).]

Gooday.

These articles and links should help

Lignum Vitae,
(Guaiacum Officinale)This small tree, native to the Antilles, is characteristic of xerophilous regions. Its wood, once commercially used in construction because of its density, was so exploited that the Gaiac, as it is locally called, is now a protected species. The bark of the Gaiac tree was used in times past for medicinal purposes; namely, to treat syphilis. Its sap was also attributed with the power to relieve arthritis. Its glossy leaves are a rich green and in general, this tree flowers twice a year. Its abundant flowers range in color from purple to blue and pale over time. Its orange-colored fruit is about 2 cm in diameter. http://www.st-barths.com/flowers/treegaiac.html

New England Traditional Boat blocks are made of Lignum Vitae and bronze. Lignum Vitae is a semi-tropical wood grown mostly around the Caribbean basin including Mexico. Lignum Vitae was the original "high-tech" engineering material with a history of over 300 years of use on boats and ships. Lignum Vitae is heavy, hard, durable, highly rot-resistant, and self lubricating due to the very high proportion of waxy resins in the wood. It is the ideal traditional material for boat blocks and any number of other traditional rigging components such as deadeyes, fairleads, etc. both because of its toughness and because, when properly shaped and rigged, line runs over it smoothly. http://www.traditionalboat.com/product.html

Practical Engineering Data About Lignum Vitae
NOTE: Lignum Vitae is one of the most unique and versatile engineering materials. A report of the mechanical properties of Lignum-Vitae from a purely statistical standpoint is available upon request. The following unusual characteristics are listed to provide a more accurate understanding regarding the potential engineering and mechanical applications.

This practical experience has shown the following to be true:

Lignum-Vitae can be used under relatively heavy loads without requiring lubrication.

Under certain conditions, the Bearing surfaces of Lignum-Vitae become glazed and slick after usage. This causes a lower coefficient of friction, which is in turn, reflected in decreased power consumption.

Lignum-Vitae has an unusual resistance to many acids and harsh chemicals, in comparison to various other industrial materials.

Lignum-Vitae's natural tenacity and durability is due to its interwoven fiber structure and homogeneity.

Lignum-Vitae is non-contaminating to foods and is ideally suited for applications where this quality is desirable.

Lignum-Vitae has found applications in boiling water and chemicals, with excellent relative wear-life.

Due to the Self-lubricating Resin which grows naturally in the Lignum-Vitae and impregnates every pore, it is impossible for the lubricating resin to dry out through capillary action, as often happens in artificially impregnated self-lubricating materials. http://www.lignum-vitae.com/page3.html

LIGNUM VITAE (Lat., "wood of life"), common name of the small genus Guaiacum, family Zygophyllaceae (see SOAPBERRY), of trees and shrubs, native to tropical America, that yield heavy, durable wood. Of the approximately eight species in the genus, two occur in the U.S. G. sanctum, widespread in the West Indies, is also found in southern Florida, where it is used as an ornamental; and G. angustifolium, a scrubby tree or bush, extends into southwestern Texas from its major range in northeastern Mexico.
The name lignum vitae is also applied to wood of the sandarac, an African and Australian cypress pine, and, in Australia, to wood of several species of Acacia, Eucalyptus, Metrosideros, and Vitex. M.R.C. http://www.fwkc.com/encyclopedia/low...15000963f.html

"Wood of Life" The heaviest densest wood in the world. Beautiful black green and brown grain. Turns like plastic in the lathe. 80+lbs per cubic foot. http://www.cocoboloinc.com/vitae.html

any of several trees of the genus Guaiacum, of the family Zygophyllaceae, particularly G. officinale, native to the New World tropics.
Guaiacum officinale occurs from the southern United States to northern South America. It grows about 9 m (30 feet) tall and reaches a diameter of about 25 cm (10 inches). The evergreen leaves are opposite, divided into leaflets (arranged along an axis), and leathery in texture. The flowers are bright blue when first open but gradually fade to white. The yellow, heart-shaped fruit is about 2 cm (0.8 inch) long.
The tree is the source of a very hard, heavy wood that is brownish green in colour. It is used to make pulleys, shafts, axles, and bowling balls. The wood is relatively waterproof because of its high fat content. The resin, called guaiacum, is obtained from the wood by distillation; it is used to treat respiratory disorders. http://www.britannica.com/seo/l/lignum-vitae/



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Ian () Robertson
"We do good turns every day"

Shee Lance. I will have to be quicker

[This message has been edited by (edited 15 January 2001).]

No good for life jackets though as it floats a bit like cast iron.

That'll teach me. Never ask the question unless you're prepared to accept the answer.

Thanks guys.

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Glenn Visca

Very interesting stuff thanks .