What to Say

Dick -

This is slightly off topic but you are the first person i have seen mention jatoba wood.

Recently, I turned a kaleidoscope out of jatoba and it smelled like vomit when I was turning it. The finish was stunning but the working stunk.

Is this normal? What does jatoba smell like when it is worked?

I read about zebra wood smelling like something you step in out in the yard but did not know about other woods.

As for what to write, I couldnt begin to offer a suggestion. One thing I do with my pens is include a card with a little informatoin about the wood that I used for that project.

Rob

Rob . . . you're right. Jatoba isn't the most pleasant wood to work with. I've only turned two platters from it and both times it smelled pretty bad, the dust was everywhere (be sure to wear a mask when turning -- you don't want to breath that stuff), and, since the wood was extremely dry, It came off the tools very hot ( a pair of finger-tipless gloves might help to protect your hands from the heat),

HOWEVER, after all is said and done, jatoba finishes beautifully with a gorgeous reddish brown color and I won't hesitate to pick up some more when I see it.

Does anyone else have any experience with jatoba that's either similar or different? Curious minds would like to know.

Dick

I haven't seen anyone answer your question yet, so this is what I print on a card to go with one of my gifts. Obviously I tailor it to the specific wood used, and particular finish used if it varies from my usual. I almost exclusively use walnut oil as my finish, so this card is pretty standard. Hope this helps.

CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR WOODEN BOWL

This Honey Locust bowl has been hand crafted by Molly G. Winton. To clean it wipe it with a damp cloth, or if necessary, rinse with mild soapy water and dry immediately. DO NOT PUT IT IN THE DISHWASHER. If the bowl becomes dry, condition the wood by rubbing it with a light coat of canola oil or walnut oil. These oils will not become rancid.

Bravo, Molly. You spoke to the point (and beautifully). It's a shame that ... Oh well.

Working at a lumber company has put me in contact with Jatoba daily. It comes out at the top of the Jankow ball test in density when comparing to woods from North America. It also goes under the name of Brazilian cherry. The mills don't like working with it because of the extra sharpening to their blades needed to make stuff, but it does make for a beautiful floor. I have yet to set up my lathe (just not room) and try turning, but I joined this newsgroup because of all the knowledge you guys share. Brian