I made a project for my neighbor and specifically stated," I don't want paid or anything in return, just enjoy"  This evening she showed up with two pieces of wood she got at Woodcraft. Both are 2x2x12".

One is Bloodwood, I've used it many times. The other is Lignum Vitae, never heard of it. It is a dark brown wood with nice grain marks. The lady said that the guy told her that if you heat this wood with a torch, it changes color and I think she said it glows. ????????????? All I could say was "wow thats great" I googled it and did not see anything about using heat or glow

 

Can anyone tell me about this wood, the glow part and what color it changes to?

Edited March 4, 20215 yr by Ron Altier
add and correct

Don't know if it burns but this is interesting!

 

https://www.core77.com/posts/25224/Lignum-Vitae-Wood-So-Bad-arse-Its-Used-to-Make-Shaft-Bearings-for-Nuclear-Submarines-and-More

Yep if not the hardest it is next to it. It sinks in water. Yes it has been used as berings on ships since they started having engines on ships.

David Marks used it as as bandsaw blade guides. I've never handled any of it, but it's some tough stuff according to everything I've read.

Yes, I have lots of wood that glows when heated with a torch.   I, too, have heard the things noted by Fred and Gerald

 

It’s very very hard. Have played with it once on a lathe many years ago ( late 70’s) and it exceeded the capabilities of my Shopsmith and sharpening skills. It’s a small bowl blank and I broke off screws getting it attached to a faceplate and then discovered my HSS lathe chisels were no where near sharp enough to turn it. Could not even get it round and finally gave up. Using carbide tools and turning as spindles would probably work. It makes ebony feel like pine. But on the other hand any handles you turn from it will probably be dishwasher safe 😎

Paul

 

Also makes great "picks" for stringed instruments.

Hard as hell. Anything you make out of it will be a lifetime tool. ( Mallet, hammer, etc.)

Running heat over it like gunstock finishing MAYBE will bring out the grain. Try it on a scrap BEFORE putting a torch to it.

I've turned Lignum a few times and it will quickly dull any gouge..... hard as he**. Go slow and you should be fine. I didn't try a carbide tip so I can't speak for that. The one on the right is Lignum(Guaiacum)

Edited March 7, 20215 yr by FrederickH
photo added