Teak wood

[jeff44]

I have friend who just completed a new deck made out of Teak.  He has some pieces off the ends and asked to make him a Celtic Cross out of the pieces.  I found a piece big enough but I have never worked width Teak.  Can you scrollsaw Teak?  It is very strong but very birttle.  I know you have to treat any drill holes like going thru metal but what about the blades?  Any help will be appreciated.

[yyyyyguy]

I'm waiting for your answers... I have some teak pieces left from my deck and haven't gotten around to cutting them yet.

[mrsn]

I have cut some teak. It was 1/4" thick, hard but it cut well.

[KarlB]

I've also cut teak, but 1/4" as well.  No problem cutting.

Karl

[iggygiles]

Built a 12' boat years ago in Teak. I found it to be abrasive more than hard, oily as well. The sawdust is like fine breadcrumbs and tends to clog up blades pretty quick, it is also abrasive and can dull blades as quick as grinding paste.I have never tried it on the S/S but think it may work well. If it has blackish streaks throuh it, it is generally from Africa and looks fantastic when done, the Malasian Teak is usually pretty plain. Because of the oil, it will clog sandpaper with a few rubs so use some spirit to get rid of the surface oil before rubbing and again before painting. Hope this helps a little. Iggy

[jeff44]

My friend brought the wood today.  the piece he wants to cross out is 1in thick by 10in long and 6 in wide.  It is a very dark brownish red in color.  Beautiful grain color in kind of a black.  I am going to try it, I will post pictures and comments when I finish it.  I may learn a few new words, depending on the trouble I have with it.  I may end up making bird houses with it, seeing how it is so good outside.

[chief]

I have cut teak on the SS that was about 3/4" thick and it cuts nicely, sands and finishes beautifully.  It will dull your blades fast due too the high silica content in the wood.