Woodworking with Ipe: Tips for Finishing and Machining

Ipe is a beautiful hardwood mostly used in the decking industry because it's a robust wood that can really withstand exposure to the elements. But it's also a fantastic wood to use in fine woodworking projects like furniture, cutting boards, picture frames, keepsake boxes, tables, patio furniture, desks, inlays and more. Some say it's a beast to work with, but not so if you're using the right tools. Here's a little bit about how to work with ipe, how to finish ipe with an oil or a lacquer, and an overview of what the wood is like.

[@johnking3863]

I’ve a source of reclaimed ipe, using it for small projects, boxes, guitar stands etc. All I can say is it rewards the effort. Danish oil and grits up to two thou produce mirror finishes. Be prepared to spend half your life sharpening your tools though.

[@Hunter-iw3rm]

I’ve had some of this wood left over from an old playhouse my dad built me 12 years ago, now I’m making one hell of a desk. Thanks for the tips!

[@SrVerataro]

Updates on the desk progress?

[@stevehangen2905]

I have a piece that has been finish sanded with 2000 grit. It has a really high gloss finish and looks awesome. Love this wood

[@outdoorperson6411]

Ipe is nice to work with the wood fiber is actually very soft even though it has a high Janka that due to its very high density which makes it compress less and seem hard but many woods with lower Jankas are actually harder like locust or hickory which have tough hard fibers but are more porous than exotic woods

[@plips71755]

Cutting isn’t the problem, it’s nailing, screwing and glueing.

[@TheRashaver]

You didn't talk about gluing.
For anyone interested, you have to use a two part epoxy or West Marine System, or something similar. Helps to wipe joints with acetone first. Standard Titebond II will not be sufficient due to the high oil content and strength of this wood.

[@Brangustx]

I had a lot of Ipe left over from my deck build last year. I'm a fan of end-grain cutting boards. I thought I hit the jackpot and proceeded to assemble several boards some mixed with other hardwoods, some 100% Ipe... with Titebond III. ALL of them had some sort of joint failure. I read somewhere that if you wipe the glue surfaces with acetone it improves your probability of success. I tried a second batch of boards and it worked pretty well (so far) but is a PIA and is hazardous.

[@PDXcitable]

@@Brangustx - Even if there were no challenges using a food safe glue like Titebond III, to me it's not a good choice for a cutting surface because it will dull knives incredibly fast, even when using end grain.

[@bottling.hobo.]

Ipe splinters are the worst. It's a pain to work with but, it's so nice when finished.

[@dizzolve]

I'm thinking about using this for blade guides in my band saw

[@dddmmm21]

Being myself from Brazil, Ipe is probably one of the most common trees you see around in the cities and countryside... Lots of furniture made of it as well... For that reason perhaps I find it a bit boring... Love the tree, but not a fan of the lumber color.

[@leonardodtc4847]

Beautiful ornamental tree

[@bobleclair5665]

I was told,cutting it will cause sparks,,it’s hard wood,,iron family,,it is a beautiful wood,keep your blades sharp

[@F1300Go]

Can you try Tigerwood? A cousin of IPE. I made furniture out of it and it glows bright orange.

[@VNcarpenter]

Nice

[@Brian-dr2yi]

He doesn't mention the Neon yellow sawdust. Like where did that come from

[@dphotos007]

I would never use a lacquer on IPE wood. I recommend a penetratubg oil from Penofin or Deckwise.

[@wonwong676]

I have problem. If I oil finished with light color oil already, can I apply oil again with darker color oil ?

[@yoandrypolanco6546]

WON WONG 0

[@Barkeroni]

Can i use this wood for firewood? I have some very important people coming over

[@anotherhardcase]

Can ipe take a steam bend?

[@wabio]

Power tools work fine. Hand tools not so much. This stuff destroys chisel and plane edges in quick order.

[@PivoskeGaming]

Is it save to use in cuttingboards?

[@PDXcitable]

Safe? Maybe. Sure to dull your knives faster than the vast majority of woods? Absolutely. One step up from cutting on concrete.

[@ankuryadav6833]

How to identify (check) that the wood is ipe wood?

[@OmarGarcia-bi7jq]

Cut some pcs if you got splinter in your fingers and is painful then is IPE

[@brioproductgroup1956]

this is very misleading. IPE chips out like crazy with bigger router bits.

[@joelwerre]

you must be setting that planer to a 64th a pass...ipe is AWFUL to work with.

[@aarongrays4471]

9gag brought me here

[@muzafferturhan]

it's on hot now :D

[@ericd9628]

And where exactly are the tips in that video?

[@douglee650]

All throughout, video showed various techniques an their results. For this viewer, I found them very informative.

[@dizzolve]

is Ipe toxic

[@leonardodtc4847]

No, but it is oily.