hardwood takes time

[Marcellarius]

I have some hardwood, i think it's Merbau or bankirai and I cut the top and the bottom for a box.
the sides between is from cedar and the total is 1.77" thick.
what is that wood hard. I cut a oval from 5" and did saw for more than 1 hour and I'm about 80% round......

I did cut the pattern in the top which is 1/2" thick and a filigree pattern took me about 3 hours...
I tried different saw in type (normal, reversed, UR, TC) and numbers (#3, #5, #9) it goes so slow.
I made the pieces with my bandsaw which makes some strange noise now.... 

I guess it's the first and last time I cut these tropical hardwood.

did any of you use this hardwood and what is your experience?

 

[Bill P]

Marcel,

I always work with hard woods and I can tell you that the times you are mentioning are normal.  Slow and steady but so pretty when you're done.  Just remember the story of the tortoise and the hare and who won the race.

Bill

[Becky]

Wow. I don't know that particular wood but I bet you feel like you've been trying to saw through a rock!  I bet it *will* be pretty when you've finished with it though.  Be sure to post a picture!