[Scott]

I aquired a small (25 cm dia. x 25 cm long) piece of ironwood. A stump and really old. The man said silica has been sucked into the grain over time. I'm gonna go through a few band saw blades cutting it up he told me. Can anyone give me some pointers.
Thanks Scott.

http://www,caribooblades.com

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

All I can tell you is what I know from experience with stuff from West Texas. Don't know about the silica, but it is very, very hard. It is not easy on tools, is a bit smelly when you are working it, but when you're done (if you've got tons of patience), it is absolutely stunning in appearance and worth all the effort. Don't plan on doing much knife work.

[Paul_Guraedy]

Scott, be very careful with Arizona Ironwood!!

The Seri, Native American tribe in Mexico, started doing the smooth carvings you see in a lot of tourist places. Their carvers started dying off and it was found that there is a poison in ironwood that is released in mucous membranes (nose to lungs). I would not sand or saw that stuff without a mask guaranteed to stop dust and chemicals.

Once this problem is solved, then you get to the silica and its effect on sharp instruments. It is beautiful wood though.

[brian bailey]

Here's a link to more info on this wood.

http://woodenuknow.com/desertironwood.html

[Scott]

Thanks for the info. It seems fitting that such a wood should be treated with care.

Scott.
http://www.caribooblades.com