What is this blank?

I tried to turn this today, it's very hard and tools need frequent sharpening, shiny on one side only, what is it, does anyone know?Attachment 329873

Hi Tiger,
I think it might be Cocobolo?

Hi Issatree, but it's red, though it looks like it's been dyed and it's not at all oily like cocobolo.

Tiger ,it could be sapele , do a google search ,similar to mahogany , try slowing down your speeds to cut it as it will be quite hard :) cheers ~ John

Not Cocobolo.

I have a similar blank, different colour. Some sort of stabilized wood. Seems that the process of stabilization uses the same epoxy as used on plywood formwork. It's hard, shiny and slippery.

It is bloodwood. Deep red in color and hard as heck. When burnt using dull tools it will blacken. Love that wood and it is expensive.

Thanks gents, bloodwood sounds right, when i received it i think i remember bloodwood being named but it does have the properties that JT just explained.

Oh I know for sure that is what it is. I use it all the time. What is nice about that wood is it will never lose its color and will always be a deep red. Use it wisely.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JTTHECLOCKMAN

Oh I know for sure that is what it is. I use it all the time. What is nice about that wood is it will never lose its color and will always be a deep red. Use it wisely.

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I'll try but it's so hard, my tools aren't coping all that well with it, always resisted the urge to take off corners via sanding but on this i have no choice. I also found that it would chip away as if it were very brittle, a challenge but should look ok as a pen.

I sure hope you are splitting those pieces up to make several pens. That looks like a 2" X 2" turning square.

Sharp tools is the key. I like to use my skew alot. I have shown this pen many times but here is an example of bloodwood and maple segmented togther. It is a great looking wood. Good luck.


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