Thread: Madagascar Rosewood for Scales

I am about to start new project. I am looking for wood similar to cocobolo, but not cocobolo (I got 2 razors with cocobolo scales, so it is more than enough) . I found something interesting at ebay called Madagascar Rosewood (Vintage, Antique Straight Cut Razor Restoration - Madagascar Rosewood for Scales | eBay ). Has anyone got experience with this type of wood. It is possible to achieve high polish without lacquering?

Madagascar Rosewood | The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwoods)

Looks like nice stuff. No experience with this specific rose wood, but others I've used have been very nice to work with. According to wood-database, it says it should polish very well. Good luck with your project, and make sure you post pics when you're done, I'm sure it will turn out lovely.

It is obviously a rosewood which is the same family as Cocobolo. Naturally oily and difficult to put a finish on due to the natural oils. If you use something like a urethane chances are it will stay gummy forever. Most rosewoods take a chemically hardened finish like catalyzed urethane or epoxy. Oil works as well. Ware a mask when working it. It can cause very bad respiratory issues.

Here are a couple of ice cream scoops I turned for Christmas presents that never got sent out. The light one on bottom is Yucatan Rosewood and the darker is Madagascar rosewood.

Rosewoods are oily woods and suitable for scales.

With the oily woods, the trick is to wipe them down with acetone first, then get a coat of shellac or wax on them quickly.
The following page explains it pretty well
FINISHING OILY WOODS

Wow, that is a nice tip. Thanks!

Originally Posted by criswilson10

With the oily woods, the trick is to wipe them down with acetone first, then get a coat of shellac or wax on them quickly.
The following page explains it pretty well
FINISHING OILY WOODS

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

Here are a couple of ice cream scoops I turned for Christmas presents that never got sent out. The light one on bottom is Yucatan Rosewood and the darker is Madagascar rosewood.

Fantastic final effect. It seems that this wood is no brainer.

Here's an example of the finish you can get with oil and buffing. I used a finishing oil - similar to tung oil but with a hardener. You might want to take a look at the grain pattern before you buy - some variaeties have nicer grains. This one is a Rosewood but I don't know what type.

Very nice scales. Thank you for this picture. It helped me to make decision. They look slightly like cocobolo... and I got already 2, so I will go for lighter version of Madagascar Rosewood. I found really nice one: Vintage Straight Cut Razor Restoration - Madagascar Brown Rosewood for Scales | eBay

I guess this one has exactly the same properties. What do you think?