Quote:
Originally Posted by davidpm
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.
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This is the OP's first project like this. If he uses IPE it will be his last.
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Have to agree with these comments about Ipe. Its extemelly durable but HEAVY...in fact I'm working a peice into a daggerboard to give it neutral bouancy. Around here, Ipe costs about as much as teak.
The other downsize of Ipe is the dust. For some people (i'm one), it cause poison-ivy like rashes. For me, its the combination of sweaty skin and the dust, so I can only mill with it when its cold.