Lignum Vitae Finish

[Bill T Tucker]

Making small items from Lignum Vitae to be hand held. Thinking of putting a bit of walnut oil finish on them and buff 'em out, but this wood is so oily in it's own right it may be "gilding the lily". No food contact, but a lot of hand holding, so a film finish probably wouldn't work. If anyone here has worked with this wood, your experiences would be appreciated. Any finish suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[Gary Beasley]

As oily as it is micromesh polishing to the highest grit might work. Got a piece you can test?

 

[John Torchick]

My grandson made a pen with AV. Like drilling tool steel. We wiped with acetone and applied CA. So far, so good. Gary has a a good suggestion.
I was told that AV was used for submarine bearings.

 

[Roger Wiegand]

Things I've made with lignum vitae have not needed a finish. Just polish them up and they look great, better as you handle them over the years.

 

[Bob Sheppard]

My grandson made a pen with AV. Like drilling tool steel. We wiped with acetone and applied CA. So far, so good. Gary has a a good suggestion.
I was told that AV was used for submarine bearings.

Not just submarine bearings. A lot of ships used LV bearings for the propellers. I was given a piece of LV bearing block, basically 1/2 a bearing, because it had a check in it, and couldn't be used. I sometimes think about cutting it up and turning it, but its far more interesting as is

 

[robo hippy]

Lignum blocks were used for bandsaw blade guides for a long time. This was before 'cool blocks'. I think they also used them for the belaying pins on sail boats because they wouldn't rot, and probably made a good club.

robo hippy

 

[Gary Beasley]

They were also used for bearings on the old Baum folders in the olden days. It took a long time to wear out a set.

 

[Ed Davidson]

I always go for a quick Beall buff and Renaissance wax. Argentine Lignum vitae makes great one-piece yo-yos, with a slick, ball bearing like axle.

 

[Bill T Tucker]

Thanks everyone for the help...followed your advise and just used Beal Buff and finished with Renaissance wax. They look great and feel wonderful. Thank you.