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Main Boards => The Bowyer's Bench => Topic started by: Lamey on October 17, 2009, 12:39:00 PM

Title: Lignum Vitae as riser wood?
Post by: Lamey on October 17, 2009, 12:39:00 PM
Just wondering why I dont see any Lignum Vitae being used as riser wood?   In talking to folks it seems that a dense/heavy wood is prefered in the riser section, and LIgnum is the densest/heaviest wood that Im aware of.

Is it an issue of not being able to "laminate" to the limb core properly?  

Just curios as I have a big 2x2x20 piece I would like to have a Bowyer use for a riser for me.  

Thanks in advance, Matt.
Title: Re: Lignum Vitae as riser wood?
Post by: Russell S. on October 17, 2009, 01:58:00 PM
lignum vitae is used for bearing staves i suspect it is very oily.  i don't know if you could drive it out with acetone or not.  i would be cautious of this trying to laminate it.
Title: Re: Lignum Vitae as riser wood?
Post by: Lamey on October 17, 2009, 02:39:00 PM
thanks Russell,  thats kind of what I expected, and yes its almost "waxy".
Title: Re: Lignum Vitae as riser wood?
Post by: rainman on October 17, 2009, 09:51:00 PM
I have used it as a handle on a BBH recurve.  It worked great.  I suspect the problem is in getting it and the price.  It is not a common wood in sizes you would want for a riser on a laminated bow.

Semper Fi,
Dan
Title: Re: Lignum Vitae as riser wood?
Post by: Lamey on October 17, 2009, 11:06:00 PM
hi Dan,  I have access to fairly large squares, 2-3" x 20".   I may try and find one with some nice figure (some of it is really pretty).  It is a bit pricey, but any wood I buy is pricey.  Compared to the Ceylon Ebony I buy, the Lignum is a bargain!