Author Topic: Cocobolo Issues  (Read 7074 times)

Offline Robert Reed

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Cocobolo Issues
« on: April 19, 2019, 09:01:17 PM »
Hey guys, I turned a small handle today out of cocobolo. It's the first time I've handled this species. I've read all about the finish issues and the possible irritation that it can cause but I can't find anything about what I ran into. It turned nicely and sanded to a silky smooth finish but the color has gone blotchy and pale. It's almost Gray in some spots.

Has anyone else experienced this? Will the colors eventually return? Did I do something wrong?

Offline FDR

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Re: Cocobolo Issues
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2019, 09:43:40 PM »
Try using a little Teak Oil on a rag to rub the cocobolo down and see if the color comes back. I expect you generated too much heat when you sanded.

Fred
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Offline Robert Reed

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Re: Cocobolo Issues
« Reply #2 on: April 20, 2019, 07:21:03 AM »
Try using a little Teak Oil on a rag to rub the cocobolo down and see if the color comes back. I expect you generated too much heat when you sanded.

Fred

I was under the impression that oils shouldn't be used with cocobolo because of the oils already present in the wood?

Offline BigB

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Re: Cocobolo Issues
« Reply #3 on: April 20, 2019, 11:07:47 PM »

The color typically comes back with time. An oil finish is typically what is used on cocobolo, even though it is an oily wood species.
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Offline Evan @ CBC Custom Calls

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Re: Cocobolo Issues
« Reply #4 on: April 22, 2019, 07:31:03 PM »
You are correct on oil finishes, but Teak Oil is made for oily woods.  It will definitely work.

As for the color, oxidation and light will help.  I had a similar issue with the last coco i cut.  I left it next to a window for several days before soaking and the color came back.