Tigerwood?

bigmoe · Post by **bigmoe** » Tue May 06, 2008 2:21 am

A good friend of mine gave me some scraps of Tigerwood, until about a year ago the last time I used a wood late was 1965. In High School Shop. To make a long story short, I am having a hard time laminating 2 pieces of tigerwood together to turn. I had tried Gorilla Glue, epoxy, carpenters Glue, I have almost pulled what hair I have left. I would appreciate any and all help for you seasoned turners. I have learned a lot at this website. I seen an article around the time I started about making wine bottle stoppers. It's late in Wyoming, I will look some more tomorrow. All I get on Goggle is about a well known golfer. Thanks in advance.

wa2crk · Post by **wa2crk** » Tue May 06, 2008 9:41 am

Hi;
Are you talking about tiger maple or some exotic African or South American hardwood.
There should be no problem in gluing tiger maple but some of the imported woods have a high oil content that would prevent glue from bonding. As an example teak is oily and should be cleaned with acetone or some other oil removing compound before gluing. Epoxy is another option.
However try to determine the origin and the exact species and you will probably get a lot more information.
Bill

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue May 06, 2008 10:25 am

bigmoe wrote:A good friend of mine gave me some scraps of Tigerwood, until about a year ago the last time I used a wood late was 1965. In High School Shop. To make a long story short, I am having a hard time laminating 2 pieces of tigerwood together to turn. I had tried Gorilla Glue, epoxy, carpenters Glue, I have almost pulled what hair I have left. I would appreciate any and all help for you seasoned turners. I have learned a lot at this website. I seen an article around the time I started about making wine bottle stoppers. It's late in Wyoming, I will look some more tomorrow. All I get on Goggle is about a well known golfer. Thanks in advance.

I don't think I have heard of Tigerwood. The first thing that comes to mine is zebrawood or some other heavily grained wood that looks to have stripes.
If it is Zebrawood I can't think of any reason what it won't glue. However on many of other exotic woods, the wood contains so much natural oils that glue simply won't stick. I know Teak has this problem and I think the most common solution is to wipe the wood down with a solvent like mineral spirits immediately before glueing to remove any surface oil and allow the glue to bond.
The only other thing I can even remotely suspect is surface contaminants from prolonged storage. If that is the case wiping the wood down with a solvent (mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, alcohol etc.) and/or a light sandind should eliminate most of those problems.

Tell us more about this Tigerwood. What is his score for 18:eek:

Ed

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Tue May 06, 2008 6:39 pm

In Wood Identification & Use Revised Edition is says Tigerwood is also called Zebrawood and several other names including Goncalo Alves. It is considered a diffucult wood to Glue or plane. It is suggested you use a solvent to remove extractives. It further states that tungsten carbide blades are suggested for cutting, pre-boring is required for nailing and screwing. It turns well and can be brought to a fine polished finish.

Now you know more than you wanted to. Jim

bigmoe · Post by **bigmoe** » Tue May 06, 2008 7:32 pm

I know for sure it isn't zebra wood. I have some of it. It is smiler in color to some rosewood I have. Rosewood will glue or but wont hold varnish, I did learn lacquer works good on it.
I will try to take a photo and post it.
Thanks for the help.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Tue May 06, 2008 11:17 pm

Just read an ad in Woodworker Journal from Titebond. They claim their "ultimate" woodworking glue will bond exotic woods.

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed May 07, 2008 12:37 am

Ed in Tampa wrote:I don't think I have heard of Tigerwood. The first thing that comes to mine is zebrawood or some other heavily grained wood that looks to have stripes............

Here is a link to a good description of it: http://www.eastteak.com/products/finehardwoods/tigerwood_data.html
I hope this helps!

bigmoe · Post by **bigmoe** » Wed May 07, 2008 4:41 pm

Tim,
Hey you found it, Thanks So much now I will be able to hopefully find the information I need.
You Made My Day!!!
:)_

_:)

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Wed May 07, 2008 5:05 pm

a1gutterman wrote:Here is a link to a good description of it: http://www.eastteak.com/products/finehardwoods/tigerwood_data.html
I hope this helps!

Tim
Live and learn thanks. Sounds like Teak and probably has the same problems with glue.
Ed