Question on Finish for Cocobolo Wood ?

[Cut-Throat]

We have a lot of talents on this board and I was wondering if anyone here has experience with a wood finish for Cocobolo wood.

I am going to build some tube stereo amplifiers this summer that have Cocobolo Wood Bases. Not veneer, solid cocobolo. I will get the wood bases already built and should finish them with something. It is an oily wood, so my usual 5 coats of Tung oil is probably not recommended. I have heard that wax applied directly to the wood is good.

The amplifiers will not get much wear, as they will sit on a wood cabinet and be there just to look at. I want to preserve the natural look of the wood which is pale orange with black streaks in it.

Comments anyone?

 

[haha]

Cut-Throat, here is the stuff I always have used. However, I have been looking for a pretty good, durable, and fast job, not necessarily the best job possible.

It's called Watco Danish Oil-

http://www.watco.net/product.asp?frm_product_id=112&SBL=1

If you use it, I would check the natural to be sure it doesn't have any pigment. Pretty much anything will darken your wood somewhat.

Ha

 

[Cut-Throat]

Cut-Throat, here is the stuff I always have used. However, I have been looking for a pretty good, durable, and fast job, not necessarily the best job possible.

It's called Watco Danish Oil-

http://www.watco.net/product.asp?frm_product_id=112&SBL=1

If you use it, I would check the natural to be sure it doesn't have any pigment. Pretty much anything will darken your wood somewhat.

Ha

I have used this stuff and in fact have about 4 cans in various stains in stock currently. I have heard that it may not dry and adhere properly on an Oilywood such as Cocobolo. Have you tried it on Cocobolo before?

I may just get a piece of scrap Cocobolo and try some various finishes first, which would be a good plan.

 

[ERD50]

Beautiful wood - I made a few things years ago, pretty sure I just used tung oil and it dried OK. I googled and saw that some just use a dark colored wax - that sounds good to me. Or shellac.

One source even said just polish it and the natural oils will give it a good finish. I can believe it.

Gluing is tricky with all the oils - Gorilla Glue should work OK. And watch out for the saw and sanding dust, I'm not usually sensitive to stuff, but this had me all choked up for days. But it sure looks nice when you're done.

-ERD50

 

[SteveR]

I would go with no oil first and see how it looks on a spare piece. With a tube amp you may have some heat issues to deal with and tung oil or parafin wax might put off a vapor when heated that could leave an oily film on stuff near the amp. Maybe or maybe not...just a thought based on some personal experience with oil and things that get hot.

Your project should look great. I love the highly textured woods for projects like yours.

Good luck and remember to post photos when you are done.

 

[cute fuzzy bunny]

I would use cocolopez, mixed liberally with pineapple juice and some kind of rum.

Whenever you consider doing wood finishing, apply a considerable amount of the above mixture until the urge passes.