cutting bloodwood

[Dean A]

Hello,

 I have a project coming up where I decided to use 3/4 bloodwood instead of Paduk. This wood seems very dense and hard. Any advice on type of blade to use or how to cut it?

 Getting sick of the mess that Paduk makes, hope bloodwood is better

[dgman]

Blood wood will leave the same mess as Paduk and cuts the same too. When I cut Blood wood I apply clear packing tape on both top and bottom of the wood. I glue a blank sheet of paper on the bottom first, then the clear packing tape. This will help prevent burning and lube the blade for easier cutting. Depending on the pattern, I will use Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blades, probably a #5 or 7.
After cutting, I will use either a heat gun or spray on mineral spirits to loosen the pattern and tape.

[Dean A]

I havent had a chance to get to the new project yet. The bloodwood seems real hard because of the density. That board was quite a bit heavier to some other boards I have. So your saying that the bloodwood makes cheeto crumb like mess too? That dust from paduak gets all over.

 Also, I don't think paduak cuts bad at all. If bloodwood is comparable, then it should not be too bad to cut

 I normally do use packing tape on both top and bottom when its 3/4 hardwood, but I do like your idea about the piece of paper on the bottom. I must try that.

[IBMer]

I'll have to agree.   Bloodwood and Padauk are very similar to work with..    Expect a lot of red saw dust.     I also turn bowls and pens...  The red color wood chips only stand out more, they clean up like any other sawdust.    Just out of curiosity, what are you making with Bloodwood?   I have a few nice thin-wood pieces, but haven't thought of a project to use them on yet.

John

 

[dgman]

Like John said, the red woods saw dust only stand out more because they are bright red, not dull brown like most wood dust.
Have you ever cut yellowheart? The same thing happens because the sawdust is bright yellow!

[IBMer]

He He...    Working with padauk is lots of fun..    Here is a video clip of me turning a Padauk bowl.   I found red shavings in places where they didn't belong on a man.   Like inside my watch band..   Dirty minds...  Geeze... 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TIifhS4DHiA

[IBMer]

Even better video clip of turning Paduak ;-)    I was covered in red dust and shavings.   But it's nice looking wood for sure, so is Bloodwood.

Enjoy...    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZaSM1flJ9E

[thumbs]

the last bloodwood I used was when I cut my thumb off--hehehehe--don't want any more---Richard

[Keefie]

IBMer,I notice you have your lathe mounted very high and you cut at almost head height, is that just personal preferance?

[IBMer]

Keefie, Yes, all my machines are mounted very high.    I have back problems and find that mounting tools high helps avoid some of the strain on my lower back.   When I bend forward for extended periods, my lower back kills me.   Doing dishes in a standard height sink is even very painful for me.   Thank god for dishwashers.    My scroll saw is on a standard table, but I usually sit in a chair when using it.

It sucks to get old, but beats the alternative ;-)

John

[IBMer]

thumbs...  You cut your Thumb off?    Man, that's gross.    Have any pictures ;-)

John

[thumbs]

thumbs...  You cut your Thumb off?    Man, that's gross.    Have any pictures ;-)

John

Took it off with a miter saw may 31, 2012--a whole new learning curve--Thumb and a 1/2

[IBMer]

That must have Hurt....


But Back to the topic..   Cutting Bloodwood..    you won't see much difference between it and Padauk.

John