Hello all, after much reading I have determined that the only accurate way to determine the difference between Lignum Vitae and Verawood is the grain pattern... however, I (being a novice here) still cannot be certain which it is. I'm hoping someone with experience can help!
I see some views, but no answers. I don't know, either. :sad2: The only place I've "seen" lignum vitae was on a Navy ship, and the grain was a bit indistinguishable. Hopefully someone will know.
did you check the Wood DataBase ?
how much of it do you have ?? just that one chunk or more ?
to me, it is not big enough to make a project out of.
I got a really big chunk back in the '80s and turned a mallet out of it.
(somewhere along the line, I have either lost the mallet or it was "lifted").
presently, the price for "real" lignum is off the chart (if you can find it).
I have checked wood database but what I have learned is that the apparently not-so-subtle difference you can see to truly distinguish the different woods is how the end grain looks.... I however, still can't tell one from the other in this case.
I have about a 4x6x20" block of it and I'm working on coming up with a use for it in the wood shop... It has been quite fun to work with on the very small projects I have done so far, but I'm waiting on further inspiration currently!
For the most part it doesn't really matter what it is I have, but I love that Lignum Vitae means "tree of life" and i did the quirky thing of hand carving my partner's engagement ring out of the wood in question with a copper leaf inset... (I wasn't actually intending on her wearing it but that's a long story)...
another source I would suggest is the Wooden Boat Forum.
there is often a lot of chatter over Lignum Vitae in general.
you don't have to become a member, just use the "search" feature.
In the days of Nelson, this was an essential raw material for making ships blocks.
One of the earliest processes to be mechanised and the factory is still there in the dockyard near "Victory". I visited about 60 years ago. Was also used for lawn bowls.
johnep
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