Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeff_H
The wood is very close in appearance and behavior to real Teak (which only grows in Asia).Jeff
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Jeff I never disagree with you as your knowledge is vast. In CT however the stuff they sell at the local lumberyard that they call IPE is more closely related to mild steel that it is to teak. Teak is an easy to work with relatively soft wood that has about the same workability of pine. Easy to cut and easy to drill and sand.
The IPE we have is only workable at very slow feed speeds with the highest quality carbide tools. It is very heavy, in fact it is heavier than water, and is for all practical purposes fireproof. I took an acetylene torch to it for one project (don't ask). Yes indeed it is very durable and has a rich brown color like teak. But unless you are a skilled craftsman and have the best possible tools and are prepared to ruin them do not use IPE.
I did find some 1/4 mahogany decking material at my local lumberyard. Not real Honduras mahogany of course, some African or south American species no doubt. No knots, lots of variation in color but I dried it in the house and paneled a room with it and make a full set of kitchen cabinets with it. It came out great and is about the same workability of teak if you can find it.
This is the OP's first project like this. If he uses IPE it will be his last.