Is Cocobolo hard to work with?

[papomaster]

Hey all!

I've bought some wood pieces to make a headphone stand. I was at the shop trying to find matching woods, and so I saw this package of 3 1,5" x 1,5" x 10" ebony strips (with gorgeous grain). To match it up (and make the base of the stand) I got a 2" x 2" x 18" of Cocobolo. This is my first time doing fancy stuff with wood, so incidently I picked the hardest wood to work with (ebony is ULTRA-HARD) as well as 2 of the heaviest woods in the world (they both have around something like 1,08 g / cu. cm, which mean they both sink in water). However, I found an article on the internet saying that cocobolo is a joy to work with because it doesn't break easily and keeps it's shape when you cut, nail or screw it. Has anyone worked with cocobolo and give me an insight on how it gets worked with?

 

[cconnaker]

from wikipedia

Care must be used when cutting Cocobolo, as the wood's oils can induce allergic reactions if inhaled or exposed to unprotected skin and eyes. A dust collection system, coupled with the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, is highly recommended when machining this wood.

 

[srserl]

Cocobolo is waxy/oily, so some finishes will not work well with it. It is very hard and finishes well with just plain wax after sanding it up through at least 600 sandpaper. With other finishes, it should be wiped down with acetone first to remove the waxes and oils near the surface. After wiping down, several coats of a thin cut of shellac works well, followed by wax.
I think I will make a case for my next Millet Hybrid Max out of cocobolo.

Scott

 

[Uncle Erik]

Worked a little of it - srserl is right about finishing it.

If like working other "tough" woods, try your hand at lignum vitae, rosewood and purpleheart.

 

[BrianDonegan]

Quote:

Care must be used when cutting Cocobolo, as the wood's oils can induce allergic reactions if inhaled or exposed to unprotected skin and eyes. A dust collection system, coupled with the use of personal protective equipment such as respirators, is highly recommended when machining this wood.

This is actually a very good recommendation for many/most woods.

 

[swt61]

Well they are both quite hard, but if you have sharp blades both the Ebony and Cocobolo mill very well. The Ebony is a bit toxic as well, so at least wear a dust mask.

As far as Cocobolo, you do need to know a few things...

1) It will not look anything like you're expecting once you cut it. Cocobolo is a Cream/Pink/Lavender blend when freshly cut. If you expose it to direct sunlight it will oxidize into the beautiful Rusty/Brown that you see in pics. It can take a few hours to a few days depending on the moisture of the wood, and the Sun's intensity. It needs to oxidize before you apply a finish.

2) Cocobolo has a waxy, resinous core, and steps need to be taken to insure a good finish. It's one wood that doesn't actually need a finish, and can be buffed to a nice satin sheen with 0000 steal wool. However if you'd like a little extra protection you can apply Urethanes, Lacquer, oil or wax finishes, but you need to pull the oils off the surface first to insure the finish will adhere well. This is easily accomplished by wiping the piece with Lacquer thinner just prior to applying the finish.

Have fun, and share pics with us!

 

[BrianDonegan]

A friend made a dining room table top from Cocobolo and was able to remove the surface oil and apply a beautiful looking finish (can't remember the type, but believe it was a urethanes). After sitting in the sun for a few months, the oils leached back to the surface and the finish bubbled and lifted from some areas. This could have been from insufficient cleaning. Either way, something to be aware of. Maybe the no-finish is the best finish? She was going to be eating off it, so it needed to be sealed.

 

[papomaster]

Thanks for the responses so far.
Are these woods easy to use on a lathe or they require special care?

 

[fortney]

You might find useful information at knife making and pen making forums. The latter use lathes.
F

 

[daco63]

Just a repeat heads-up about the toxicity of Cocobolo. It is a bit riskier than most other woods you'll work with. Watch out for itchy rashes (like poison ivy). It is also a sensitizer, which means that even if it doesn't bother you at first, you can develop sensitivity to it. If that ever does happen, then you'll have to be much more careful around it. There are more than a few wood shops around that won't (can't) touch the stuff anymore.

It is definately worth being a bit extra careful when working with cocobolo. An ounce of prevention, as they say...

Here's some reference info:

Wood/Dust Toxicity Article - Greater Vancouver Woodturners Guild

- Dave

 

[en480c4]

The only issue I've had turning it is there are often hidden cracks due to the differences between the heartwood and the rest. I've had completed projects have to be scrapped after pulling them from the lathe due to hidden imperfections that didn't show until the wood was turned and separated. Other than that, the advice above is good. It's also very hard, so make sure your tools are sharp and up for the job.

 

[amphead]

Cocobolo dust feels like Cayenne pepper powder on the skin and in the nostrils/eyes. If you have an allergy to it, anaphylactic shock is the danger, because it contains obtusaquinone. You can finish it to a high gloss with 3 coats of shellac followed by 3 coats of cellulose lacquer.

 

[AGC]

I think we might have a doctor in the house?

Thats me in about 15 years.

 

[papomaster]

Heads up guys!

Finally had my hand on a camera today and took some pictures of the wood laying on my bed

Cocobolo first:

Ebony :

And I got this 1 1/4 " x 5" x 24" gorgeous piece of very hard, purple-darkish piece of beautiful wood (you see it sideways on the first two cocobolo pictures) of which I don't know the name :

Best part of it is that I got it for $1,99...

Anyway, my design is done, but I'll do a preliminary version out of a 4"x4" piece of spruce I had for free at Home Depot today (it hadn't been tailored and shaped, and was 'only' 4 feet long, so the guy was willing to let us take it for free).

More pics to come when the project evolves

 

[amphead]

Nice wood! I actually like the rosewood smell of Cocobolo, just don't like the dust from sanding.