IPE Butcher Block Table

Dave · 2004-03-02T05:06:22+00:00

I happen to stumbled across an inexpensive source for a wood called IPE and am considering making a butcherblock table top out of it. It's slightly dark for my taste, but SWMBOreally likes it for some reason. The sample I have is very hard and verydense - it barely floats. I'm considering an end-grain top with dimensionssomewhere around 22x34x10 inches glued from 3/4 stock. I've never workedwith this stuff (IPE) before, but it seems *plenty* hard and very finegrained - a good combination for a butcher block top. BTW, the sample Ihave comes from a deck supply wholesaler.The top alone would be heavy (around 300 lbs), which implies very stable ifthe base is constructed correctly . No problem, other then moving itaround when it's finished...(1) Does anyone know what the toxicity of IPE wood is, or care to comment onit's suitability for this application?(2) In it's natural state, this wood feels somewhat "oily" (for lack of abetter term). Is TightBond II going to hold it together assuming it'splaned/jointed/clamped appropriately, etc., or will I need another type ofglue?Any other experiences working with this wood appreciated, including answersto any questions I should have asked but didn't (or didn't know to ask)Thanks,++ Dave

Mar 02, 2004 22 Replies

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Steve Knight 22 years ago

well it is a pretty new wood for that. but you don't usually see many tropicals for them in the us.

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V.L. Diablo 22 years ago

This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for, and actually halfway expected based on the "unique" smell Ipe sawdust has. Too bad for me... I have a cheap source and it seems to have all the other characteristics necessary. I had a similar experience making pistol grips from rosewood, and just don't mess with rosewood any more.

I think I'll take that advice.

++ Dave

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Leon 22 years ago

No kidding.. There are quite a few caves in Texas and especially in the hill country. It stays nice and cool in them year round.

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