Woodworking with Ipe: Tips for Finishing and Machining (2024)

I’ve had some of this wood left over from an old playhouse my dad built me 12 years ago, now I’m making one hell of a desk. Thanks for the tips!

I’ve a source of reclaimed ipe, using it for small projects, boxes, guitar stands etc. All I can say is it rewards the effort. Danish oil and grits up to two thou produce mirror finishes. Be prepared to spend half your life sharpening your tools though.

Ipe is nice to work with the wood fiber is actually very soft even though it has a high Janka that due to its very high density which makes it compress less and seem hard but many woods with lower Jankas are actually harder like locust or hickory which have tough hard fibers but are more porous than exotic woods

I have a piece that has been finish sanded with 2000 grit. It has a really high gloss finish and looks awesome. Love this wood

Ipe splinters are the worst. It's a pain to work with but, it's so nice when finished.

You didn't talk about gluing.
For anyone interested, you have to use a two part epoxy or West Marine System, or something similar. Helps to wipe joints with acetone first. Standard Titebond II will not be sufficient due to the high oil content and strength of this wood.

Cutting isn’t the problem, it’s nailing, screwing and glueing.

Being myself from Brazil, Ipe is probably one of the most common trees you see around in the cities and countryside... Lots of furniture made of it as well... For that reason perhaps I find it a bit boring... Love the tree, but not a fan of the lumber color.

I'm thinking about using this for blade guides in my band saw

Power tools work fine. Hand tools not so much. This stuff destroys chisel and plane edges in quick order.

I was told,cutting it will cause sparks,,it’s hard wood,,iron family,,it is a beautiful wood,keep your blades sharp

He doesn't mention the Neon yellow sawdust. Like where did that come from

I would never use a lacquer on IPE wood. I recommend a penetratubg oil from Penofin or Deckwise.

Can you try Tigerwood? A cousin of IPE. I made furniture out of it and it glows bright orange.

Nice

I have problem. If I oil finished with light color oil already, can I apply oil again with darker color oil ?

Can ipe take a steam bend?

this is very misleading. IPE chips out like crazy with bigger router bits.

Can i use this wood for firewood? I have some very important people coming over

Is it save to use in cuttingboards?

How to identify (check) that the wood is ipe wood?

you must be setting that planer to a 64th a pass...ipe is AWFUL to work with.

And where exactly are the tips in that video?

is Ipe toxic

9gag brought me here