The snakewood uke

[de Houtwinkel]

From the Wood Database: Lignum vitae

Janka Hardness: 4390 lbf (19510 N) (!!!)

Workability: Lignum vitae has a tendency to skip over-top jointer cutters on account of its extremely high density, and very light passes are recommended. Lignum vitae will also dull cutters, and overall the wood is considered quite difficult to work. Also, due to its high oil content, it’s very difficult to get strong and reliable glue joints. Finishing can also be problematic as well.

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[ploverwing]

From the Wood Database: Lignum vitae

Janka Hardness: 4390 lbf (19510 N) (!!!)

Workability: Lignum vitae has a tendency to skip over-top jointer cutters on account of its extremely high density, and very light passes are recommended. Lignum vitae will also dull cutters, and overall the wood is considered quite difficult to work. Also, due to its high oil content, it’s very difficult to get strong and reliable glue joints. Finishing can also be problematic as well.

The gluing! Right of course (you can tell I've never built an instrument lol!). Yeah that would definitely be a possible challenge. I think it might be ok for joinery but really challenging to cut because of the hardness but also the grain is weird (at least lignum vera certainly is).

I certainly suspected that finishing would be a serious challenge because of the oil content.

It's also SO dense. Maybe use it to make pegs and bridge might be too heavy for a body.

 

[de Houtwinkel]

The gluing! Right of course (you can tell I've never built an instrument lol!). Yeah that would definitely be a possible challenge. I think it might be ok for joinery but really challenging to cut because of the hardness but also the grain is weird (at least lignum vera certainly is).

I certainly suspected that finishing would be a serious challenge because of the oil content.

It's also SO dense. Maybe use it to make pegs and bridge might be too heavy for a body.

Well I have a few planks, and one was already cut down to 3/8" book match sets. I've had those planks for about 2 years in my shop. Next step is to send them off to be torrefied, but I'm waiting for some maple to add to the bunch.

Removing the oil takes away a lot of those issues. Nothing is impossible

 

[ploverwing]

Removing the oil takes away a lot of those issues. Nothing is impossible

How does one do that? Is the torrification process enough to achieve that? Would it work on that wood? Wow, I learn so much from you guys!!

 

[ploverwing]

How does one do that? Is the torrification process enough to achieve that? Would it work on that wood? Wow, I learn so much from you guys!!

Ok I just read this and that's exactly the point behind torrification. Amazing!

 

[de Houtwinkel]

Ok I just read this and that's exactly the point behind torrification. Amazing!

Yes! It's becoming more popular, albeit in the acoustic guitar world. I've built several ukes with torrified wood, and the tone is measurable, and noticeable.

 

[pondweed]

I'd be torrified about the cost of terrification. How much does it cost to do?

 

[sequoia]

I started using torrefied spruce for tops years ago but I don't torrify it myself, I buy it torrefied. Pre-baked so to say.

 

[de Houtwinkel]

Yes! It's becoming more popular, albeit in the acoustic guitar world. I've built several ukes with torrified wood, and the tone is measurable, and noticeable.

I know some luthiers that will stick wood in their oven at home, and think that its torrefied afterwards(it's not)LOL. I usually buy it from a distributor if a client wants a certain top or back/side set. For little pieces and one offs, I get in with someone I know in the wood business that can shove a few pieces for me in their pallet. Generally costs me anywhere from $75 - $200 for the bulk I send.

 

[Doc Ivory]

I love snakewood. Pretty instrument

 

[Kei]

Oddly enough I have some lignum vitae in the form of stair planks(quarter sawn too!) that a buddy gave me after remodeling a house. I'd certainly give it a try

If you're serious about that, so am I what is the size of that wood?

 

[necessaryrooster]

Well I have a few planks, and one was already cut down to 3/8" book match sets. I've had those planks for about 2 years in my shop. Next step is to send them off to be torrefied, but I'm waiting for some maple to add to the bunch.

Removing the oil takes away a lot of those issues. Nothing is impossible

Got any picks of this set...?

 

[de Houtwinkel]

If you're serious about that, so am I what is the size of that wood?

The planks are about an inch thick, and roughly 32" long.

 

[Kei]

The planks are about an inch thick, and roughly 32" long.

So, you’re telling me you have plenty of this stuff! Okay. Very cool. I will be sending you a PM.