Thread: Bengall with lignum vitae scales

The original scales on this Bengall were badly cracked. No polishing, just removed the rust and replaced the scales. I wouldn't say lignum vitae is the most beautiful wood, but it does oxidize to an interesting green color. It's also naturally oily, so it isn't damaged by water.

Nice work and good wood choice for the scales Enjoy!

Thats vera wood,put it in the sun,U.V light will turn it real dark in a few days.they look great.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Thats vera wood,put it in the sun,U.V light will turn it real dark in a few days.they look great.

That's interesting, I'm going to try that out.

Originally Posted by TonyFranciozi

That's interesting, I'm going to try that out.

lignum is a very interesting wood,is 40% oil by wgt.Is still used today in hydroelectric dams as underwater bearings and on ships propeller shaft bearings subjected to salt water,One of a very few woods that is so dense it sinks in water.
Is like butter to turn.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

lignum is a very interesting wood,is 40% oil by wgt.

When I was buffing the brass spacer I let it get too hot and oil actually started bubbling out of the end grain. It's wild stuff.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

lignum is a very interesting wood,is 40% oil by wgt.Is still used today in hydroelectric dams as underwater bearings and on ships propeller shaft bearings subjected to salt water,One of a very few woods that is so dense it sinks in water.
Is like butter to turn.

I saw that on a tv show, they were building some new US navy stealth ship, all carbon fiber, titanium, computers and... wood!

Ships and the old Billy Clubs that cops carried

I like hearing about all the different scale materials used.
This one seems intresting!
Was it easy to work with?

Originally Posted by Chevhead

Was it easy to work with?

For the most part yes. It's an extremely hard wood but still planes ok, and scrapes even better. The only thing to really watch out for is that it splits easily. If you pin without washers you'd have to be very careful. A friend of mine who's worked on old boats told me that back in the day when they used wood this hard for planking they had to drill pilot holes just to drive a nail in it.