Need a piece for a hollow form. Never turned it.
WTB: lignum vitae. CLOSED
- Thread starter Alancw
- Start date
Look for an antique lawn bowling ball on web. I also keep my eyes open when going through antique stores for them.
How big of a piece? I have some but I'm not sure if it'll be big enough for what you want.
I'm not exactly sure what Dan was referring to, but i know a guy in the UK with 2 tonnes of it, but...CITES. Theres a bearing manufacturer in Virginia that sources guaiacum sanctum, but the sizes he uses are a little odd. It's end grain bearings, so he basically uses offcuts from cross cutting the wood. Might be with giving him a call though.
I am also working with a guy out west who has logs and lumber of *Argentine* lignum vitae... Not the same wood obviously, but still a very nice wood.
I'm not exactly sure what Dan was referring to, but i know a guy in the UK with 2 tonnes of it, but...CITES. Theres a bearing manufacturer in Virginia that sources guaiacum sanctum, but the sizes he uses are a little odd. It's end grain bearings, so he basically uses offcuts from cross cutting the wood. Might be with giving him a call though.
I am also working with a guy out west who has logs and lumber of *Argentine* lignum vitae... Not the same wood obviously, but still a very nice wood.
Last edited:
Yeah. One of you mentioned the bearing guy. That was who I was referring to.
Gotcha. I want to say that David is the one who brought this company to my attention. I've spoken with the owner - super friendly guy. They are setup to sell off cuts from their work. I had intended to stop by when i was down at my parents house last, but it ended up not being practical cause my 1yo was being too difficult. I also inquired about buying larger pieces, and he seemed like he would be willing to work out a deal but we didn't get into specifics.
Lignum Vitae | The World's Most Durable Water-Lubricated Bearings
Trusted for over a century in demanding hydro, marine, and industrial applications using the World’s most durable water-lubricated bearings.
www.lignumvitaesolutions.com
Might have some 5"? rounds still- next time I am in shop I will look. but have not been in there for at least a week. 
I'll check on what I have. I was planning to commission some turnings with it. Would you be interested in a commission piece?
Edit: The biggest piece I have is 4"x5.5"x20", enough for three 5.5" square blanks. If you are interested, I'll send you two blanks and you could turn me a hollowform from one of them.
Edit: The biggest piece I have is 4"x5.5"x20", enough for three 5.5" square blanks. If you are interested, I'll send you two blanks and you could turn me a hollowform from one of them.
Last edited:
Here’s a thought for you. Bell Forest has 1x1x6 blanks of Argentine LV for $3 a stick. You could glue up and turn a segmented HF.
That’s what I did to make a mallet. I had enough left and used it to make chisel handles.
If your heart is set on genuine LV, an antique lawn bowling ball can be found quite easily, but they are not exactly cheap. I bought one 2 years ago and it’s on my project list. I would guess it’s about 5” in diameter without measuring. .
That’s what I did to make a mallet. I had enough left and used it to make chisel handles.
If your heart is set on genuine LV, an antique lawn bowling ball can be found quite easily, but they are not exactly cheap. I bought one 2 years ago and it’s on my project list. I would guess it’s about 5” in diameter without measuring. .
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #12
Got what I need! 5 inch diameter balls 4 of them for $140.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #13
That sounds great.
Lucky boy.
At a boy! Make a mallet from one of them.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #16
Nah. Buying a mallet also! Was thinking of a hollow form—opening where the handle goes in. You think I should just keep a mallet—because it’s hard wood?
Last edited:
Go big or go home. Well done my friend.
FYI, I have 2 mallets the same size. The LV weighs twice what the walnut one weighs.
FYI, I have 2 mallets the same size. The LV weighs twice what the walnut one weighs.
Heavier mallet = better chiselling. If you are only going to do Turning though you don’t really need a heavy mallet.
If you do any chisel work, the LV mallets are prized. Hardness is good but more weight in a smaller head is desired. For example, the walnut mallet weighs 13 oz. The LV mallet is twice the weight.
Making a mallet from one of the balls was just a suggestion. It’s another first class tool to have when needed if you don’t have one.
Making a mallet from one of the balls was just a suggestion. It’s another first class tool to have when needed if you don’t have one.
