Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 21, 2009 01:48pm | #1

   I'm rather surprised you
   I'm rather surprised you would be thinking about wanting to darken the Jatoba further, particularly since Jatoba is likely to darken considerably in a relatively short period, while the maple will change only a smaller amount. Certainly the contrast will increase over time between those two woods.

   It might not be so difficult if it was the panel that you wanted to dye, and not the frame. That's often done. But the otherway is not usually a good idea because it is almost impossible to do the glue up of rails to stiles without wanting to make a small adjustment to bring them exactly flush.

   Take some samples of your woods, dampen them with naphtha, and take a hard look at whether you really want to stain the Jatoba.

1. 
   Shwallon | Dec 21, 2009 02:08pm | #2

   I did test some natural danish oil on the jatoba 1st, the person I am making the chest for said they wanted it alittle darker. When picking out the wood I picked the browner hued boards, how much darker will it get? this is my 1st time working with Jatoba.

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 21, 2009 02:53pm | #3

   I don't have any samples, but
   I don't have any samples, but I do note that makers of Jotoba hardwood flooring, which they often market as Brazilian Cherry despite zero botanical relation, warn about significant color changes after installation relative to other woods. You might make an experiment by covering up a section of a board and exposing that board to as much direct sun as possible for a couple of days. I'd bet you would see the difference clearly. I'd sure be interested in a report.

1. 
   Shwallon | Dec 21, 2009 03:06pm | #4

   Well I live in Oregon, so the sun wont shine here for like 4 more months. :)

   I will try to convince him it will darken, and if it doesnt I will remake it for him. ill take some pics before finish and then right after and post them up.. and update in a few weeks to see the results.

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Dec 22, 2009 06:54am | #5

   My condolescences about the sun. We had 20" of snow at the house this past weekend, but then the sky because blue and bright--at least for a short time. Got a sun lamp?

2. 
   sapwood | Dec 22, 2009 11:51am | #6

   You first asked if using dye rather than colored oil would be a better option. Strictly speaking, I'd say yes. However Steve's suggestion to leave the Jatoba alone is still the best way to go. Alternatively, you might be able to lacquer the panel before assembly. Then after assembly, stain or dye the frame then lacquer. This method might give me pause but would certainly test the sealing capability of the finish on the maple.

   Now, you are saying your plan is to tell the client that you'll remake the piece if it doesn't live up to their expectations. Pardon my bluntness, but that is a huge mistake. Better to tell them of the difficulties of darkening the Jatoba up front. If they want a darker color, then choose a darker wood.

3. 
   Shwallon | Dec 22, 2009 01:43pm | #7

   Well the client is my best friend... :) he is just paying for materials.

   and I did convince him to let me just use a clear oil on it when done, well maybe not clear, but the natural watco danish oil.

   thank you for the input though.

2. 
   Shwallon | Jan 13, 2010 12:41pm | #8

   here is a pic of the final finished chest.

   2 coats of Watco Danish Oil, Natural finish

   3 coats of General Wipe on Urethane, 5 on the top

   Top also has 2 coats of Liberon Black Bison Walnut Wax

   I almost hated to give it up...

   here is a link of all the pics I took during construction, if you would like to check them out.

   http://3dogphotos.com/Woodworking/woodworking/10828024_K65AD/1/761280938_ZNiey

   View Image

1. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 13, 2010 08:04pm | #10

   NICE work!

2. 
   flairwoodworks | Jan 14, 2010 12:54am | #11

   "I almost hated to give it up..."

   I feel the same way about most of my work. I have been told that's the nature of an artist. It also tells me that I am really happy with the end result.

   Your piece is gorgeous. What is the purpose of the strip of jatoba across the front, about 5" off the ground and 1" thick?

1. 
   Shwallon | Jan 14, 2010 02:22am | #12

   the strip in the front is the bottom, edge joined plywood. its rabbited on the ends so you don't see it there. the sides actually sit on the plywood.

   thank you all for the nice words and comments.

2. 
   oldusty | Jan 14, 2010 09:43am | #13

   Chris ,

   The strip you ask about shows the makers attention to detail of the design that was emulated a very common detail on case work of that era .

   regards dusty

3. 
   WillGeorge | Jan 13, 2010 07:05pm | #9

   My opinon only.

   Jatoba and maple I use often together. On Jatoba I only use a neutral color oil finish. I have never seen Jatoba bleed into surrounding wood. Yes, sanding Jatoba can leave colored dust in open grain surrounding wood.

   As others have stated, no need to stain/color it.