I have piece of ironwood I would like to use for a riser. Its an extremely hard and strong wood. Problem is the pieces I have have lots of small cracks and I'm not sure whether this would be a major problem or not? Its virtually impossible to get ironwood without such cracks, I think it just tends to dry like that.
Should I rather look for another wood, or can i "patch" such cracks in some way?

Johan is that Lebombo ironwood? That stuff blunts tools! If the block is old dried and seasoned it is usually stable. You can leave the cracks or else use a filler. A good source for riser blocks is the 'turning blocks' from Country Woods in Kelvin. Send me a pm.
chrisg

Yes, its also called african black ironwood. Really hard...my one buddy don't even want to put it through his thickness planer for me...says it messes up the blades. Thats why I figured it will make a seriously decent riser.

pm send