Hello, 

 

I got my hands on some Black Limba hardwood. My Aunts, granddaughter's father in law bought it then died. I have a bunch, maybe 800 BF and I'm making my daughter in law a jewelry box out of it for Christmas. I need to turn some knobs to match the box. I've been trying but there is a lot of tear out. Is this due to my skill level or to the wood? Has anyone turned this wood? I have sharp tools, any pointers?

 

Best regards, 

 

Ron

I never turned Black Limba.  Here is a video of Mike Peace turning some.

 

 

13 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

I never turned Black Limba.  Here is a video of Mike Peace turning some.

 

 

I was just watching the same video! Can't find too much on turning tips. One site does mention the wood contains some silica which can dull turning tools.

Do the knobs have to be round? You could probably make some knobs that are square. Woodsmith/shopnotes magazine did an article several years ago about shop made knobs. One version I remember was from a piece of round stock (spindle) then notched on the router table so you could grab it.

Well I finally figured out how to make the knobs. I used the lathe to do the side of the knobs in a line down the length of the turning. Ever once in a while the wood would break in two as I was turning, so it took some time to get more than I needed. At each end of the knobs I left room to turn the top of the knobs by turning a "1\2 inch dowel" and cut each knob at my bandsaw. Then I attached a board to the plate used for bowl turning and marked the center the drilled a 7/8" hole in the center. I then wrapped tape around the dowel to fit in the hole snugly to turn the tops of the knobs.

 

Ron

Any pics?

Cal