It’s been another month and it is time for another installment of Hoarded Treasures exposed. Last month I actually did something with the Lignum Vitae I posted, but this month I am at a loss for what to do with this fine specimen.
This is a 5x5x14 inch block of Grenadillo. It has been waxed hence the sheen to it. I have had this piece for almost two years and still am not sure what to do with it due to it’s odd size. At first glance it would make good turning stock, but I almost think that would be wasteful and veneer might be a better fate. Besides with it being so heavy and large, I am almost scared to chuck this baby up and set it spinning at high speed!
Grenadillo or Granadillo is a tropical hardwood in the Rosewood Dalbergia family from Central America. It is closely related to Cocobolo and is also called Nicaraguan Rosewood. It is very heavy, very hard, and has a tight interlocking grain. In other words all the same properties of Cocobolo. It’s primary uses are in cutlery handles and musical instruments as well as decorative inlays. Supply is limited and therefore very expensive. I feel very blessed to have this piece in my collection.
So what to do with this beautiful piece of hardwood? I have considered cutting it into smaller blocks for lathe work like pens or bottle stoppers, but I would still like to keep some of the width for slicing veneers for box lids. If I do any turning with it, I hope it goes without saying that a respirator is a necessity because the dust is very irritating. I even like to wear long sleeves as the dust has been known to cause a rash.
I really like the slice of sapwood in the corner of this piece too and that could make an interesting book match. Here is a closeup of the grain.
You have to admit that this is some beautiful and interesting wood. You can see why I have been hoarding it for a while and afraid to do something with it. Help me out, give me courage and direction so I can transform this piece into something even more beautiful.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Jeremy Kriewaldt // Aug 18, 2008 at 10:13 pm
My advice – wait for the wood to tell you what it wants to be. A project will happen and that chunk will leap out of the treasure hoard and shout “pick me, pick me” like a small kid trying to get in a pick up sports team.
Don’t force it, the wood will go surly and not communicate with you. Just keep on coming up with new ideas for projects and going over to the hoard and asking the fellas who wants to be in this one…. one of them always answers….
2 Mark Mazzo // Aug 19, 2008 at 7:26 am
Shannon,
Given its thickness and other dimensions, I think you have a lot of options.
The first think that I saw was the strip of sapwood. I think that I would resaw two thin pieces for a bookmatched door panel or box top. Then you can use the rest for turning or something else.
–Mark
The Craftsman’s Path
3 Michael // Aug 19, 2008 at 10:14 am
That block has the dimensions that I look for for slicing down into wood for my cases. I’d cut in in half lengthwise then resaw the flitches into 1/2″ thick planks to form the sides of the case. The other half of the original block could have a few veneers sliced off and then leave the rest for turnings. The only concern I would have of course is the possibility for irritability from the dust.
4 The Village Carpenter // Aug 19, 2008 at 11:39 am
Shannon, that’s the perfect size for a Krenov-style block plane.
5 Shannon // Aug 19, 2008 at 6:34 pm
Mark, I really like the idea of a bookmatched door panel. That would be unique.
Michael, I have only used cocobolo like wood for inlays or in one instance as the lid for a box. It might be cool to make the sides out of it. I think I would need to keep the overall size small or the grain would be too overpowering.
Kari,
What a great idea. I never even thought of that. I need to pick up that book and look into it.