a classic use for a lump is as head on a mallet for striking wood chisels.

Traditionally used for the bearings for ship propeller shafts. I bought a square from a turnery supplier once 'cos I thought it might come in useful. The only thing I've used it for so far is to make some new guides for my old B&D bandsaw.

Cheers,

Rod

Hardwood and Ivory Turners ("Bone Grubbers" ) would probably have made a chuck with it Maurice – although they mostly used boxwood chucks, probably on the grounds of cost.

Tubal Cain (when describing Ornamental turning methods) suggested it could be used for chucks (and also small faceplates) on account of its stability. He also says that it "turns very well indeed and will accept deep cut decoration" – so I'd guess it would be valued by any ornamental turner as a workable 'material' in its own right.

By the way – anyone who wants to know about traditional hardwood and ivory turning (bone grubbers) should read Bill Jones' books on the subject. I'm not a wood or ornamental turner myself but I found them a fascinating and useful read. Bill was a professional turner and craftsman, following in his fathers footsteps. He was also an early member of The Society of Ornamental Turners, so possibly knew Tubal Cain (TD Walshaw) too. I think the books are based on Bills articles on turning published in 'Woodturning' over many years.

Bill Jones – Notes from the Turning Shop (and Further Notes from the Turning Shop) – ISBN 1-86108-017-4 (& ISBN 1-86108-036-0)

Sorry – drifting off topic I know – and a bit away from the metal torture I normally entertain myself with but if you can find a copy of either books (published 1996/1997) they are a very entertaining read.

Regards,

IanT

Edited By IanT on 27/09/2016 21:33:21

Makes excellent tool handles (think Purdey turnscrews) and is easily cut with a fretsaw. Metalworking tools and techniques work better than woodworking until it's time to sand and finish.

Bob

It will take a thread.

Some quite nice pens have been made with it. A block could be cut up into quite a few pen size rods.

For ornamental turning it is supposed to be one of the best woods you can find. Take a look at TD Walshaw (Tubal Cain)'s book here **LINK**

Regards,

Richard

Interesting timber. Have also seen it used in woodwinds as an alternative to African Blackwood and ebony.

A friend was given a set of Lignum Vetae lawn bowls, I think most of them were cut in quarters, then converted into salt and pepper sets. Although a wood turner, he had difficulty handling the wood using carbon steel lathe tools, take a slice, sharpen tool, he ended up getting some HSS lathe tools.

Ian S C