Replies

1. 
   holz | Dec 04, 2004 04:52am | #1

   The U. S. Forest Products Laboratory tech sheet on Ipe indicates only that the dust from processing (sawing, sanding) can cause a dermatitis in some people.  I would guess that the solid wood would be relatively inert.  This tech sheet can be found at:

   http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/TechSheets/tropicalwood.html

    

   I am sure that an inquiry to them would answer any further question you might have about toxicity.

    

2. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 04, 2004 06:24am | #2

   Hello!
   I am from Brasil,there are much IPÊ here.Ipê is safe.Here,in September the Ipês are all yellow.It's a National Symbol.Othewise it is a very hard wood and his dust is like a very fine yellow powder.Looks like sulphur.
   Is difficult work ipê with power tools.To finish, rasp and sandpaper is the best.Handle with care,use gloves.GOOD LUCK!

3. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 04, 2004 06:33am | #3

   There are not wide pieces of ipê today.8" is the standart.Ipê is lifetime.

1. 
   JoeWood | Dec 04, 2004 05:26pm | #4

   Mr Spock ! Do you have any pictures of ipe (in flower) in September we can see ?

1. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 04, 2004 09:51pm | #5

   Hello,Joe!
   Please,visit : http://www.rsmo.hpg.ig.com.br/tabebuia.htmlGood Luck!

1. 
   JoeWood | Dec 04, 2004 10:33pm | #6

   ay yi Yi, ¡Eso es un árbol hermoso, senor Spock!

1. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 05, 2004 01:54am | #7

   Usted habla español?It's fine!!!
   Here,in Brasil,falamos ( hablamos ) português.
   Ipê costs US$ 500 / cubic mater. ( 1 cubic meter ~ 27 cubic feet )
   Ciau.

2. 
   JoeWood | Dec 05, 2004 02:15am | #8

   Sim! Eu falo um pouco Espanhol! Eu sou pesaroso, mim mantenho-me
   esquecer-se de que Brasil fala Portugese! Eu falo Portugese muito bom,
   com um tradutor, No.?Thankyou para as fotografias agradáveis!Longos vivos e prosper meu amigo!I told him " yes! I speak a little Spanish! Sorry, I keep forgetting that Brazil speaks Portugese! I speak very good Portugese, with a translator, no ? Thankyou for the beautiful pictures!"

3. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 05, 2004 07:52am | #9

   Do You now why my country is named BRASIL?
   In XV ac, the portugueses used to explore a native tree because his red colouring wood that looks like hot coal. In portuguese red hot coal means "brasa". That tree was named PAU ( WOOD ) BRASIL.
   Years ago I saw in NYC a table that was made by George Nakashima.It was in a Cathedral.Unhappy,I forgot were.Can You remember me?
   Thank You.

4. 
   JoeWood | Dec 05, 2004 09:03am | #10

   Ah, so pau means wood ! That is an interesting story about Brazil !What does lope mean ?Sorry Mr Spock, but I am from San Diego. Maybe someone else here knows about that table.Joe Pau [:o)

5. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 05, 2004 10:04pm | #14

   The best translation for your surname is " Madeira " ! There are many families with this surname in Portugal and Brasil.
   Do You know Madeira Wine? A very fine wine from Madeira Island.
   Reaserch : IPÊ = TREE WITH THICK BARK.
   It is a TUPY word. TUPY is a Indian Tribe from here. ( Like Sioux or Apaches for America.)
   Tchau,até breve!

6. 
   JoeWood | Dec 05, 2004 10:09pm | #15

   So, what does pau lope mean ? That's a Trade name that one company uses for its' ipe.

7. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 05, 2004 10:26pm | #16

   Pau is a dangerous word in portuguese.More accurate,PAU means a STICK ( in the Woodwork World ).
   In the popular language,pau means pênis!!
   Tchau,até! By.see You!

   Edited 12/5/2004 6:30 pm ET by SPOCK

4. 
   nikkiwood | Dec 05, 2004 09:32am | #11

   Are you planning to do food prep directly on the countertop? Finished wood is just about the most fragile material you can use for a counter, so I would assume you would use cutting boards, and the like for all your food prep -- in which case any potential toxicity wouldn't be a problem.

   What are you planning to use for a finish?

1. 
   mrcoux | Dec 05, 2004 05:22pm | #12

   As this is for my kitchen as opposed to a client we are in charge of the use and yes we always use cutting boards.I actually originally posted a question if there were any issues with ipe re topcoat. I would prefer a satin finish and was wondering if there were any issues with oiliness or resins etc., with ipe.Thanks.

1. 
   JoeWood | Dec 05, 2004 07:48pm | #13

   You know, one thing to consider with ipe is, that after it acclimates, it developes alot of very fine surface checks, something to consider.

   They do market kiln dried stock, which might cut down on the checking.

   Sorry, can't recommend any top coats, as I've only used ipe for exterior work, where I've used Penofin or Seasonite

1. 
   MAVERIK | Dec 06, 2004 12:03am | #17

   Avoiding tranversal warp.
   Make a longitudinal partial cut every 2" in under face of the plank.
   It's not water proof but is a beautiful finish.A coat of nitrocelulose sealer.Sand well ( steel wool is better ).A coat of wax.(Carnaúba,beewax,parafin and água raz = mineral spirit.)This homemade wax is superior recipe!

2. 
   mrcoux | Dec 06, 2004 01:27am | #18

   I've noticed the checking in my sample. I wondered whether this was due t it getting wet prior to sealing. Does ipe always get this checking?

2. 
   tsailordog | May 05, 2006 05:13am | #19

   I am also interested in a ipe countertop. I cut up a deck board and made a small chopping board out of it. I cut the rounded edges from the board and was left with a piece 5" wide. I glued this up with Titebond III. No problems but the next time I would use epoxy. The finished board did not clean up with the planer but it belt sanded O'k. My wife realy liked the dark colour with just a coat of oil. Cutting on it with my top of the line knife left virtually no marks. It may not be indestructable, but almost. I would appreciate any other comments from all you fellows that know more about this than I do. The finished counter will be 17' by 2' with a wavey edge. I dont want to be wrong on this one.
   John

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 05, 2006 05:49am | #20

   I didn't read back through this entire thread.But if the issue for you is what finish to use, there are many who claim that anything other than organic oil (walnut, mineral, etc) would be toxic.This is flat not true, but with a big "but." Any kind of oil will be safe (e.g. boiled linseed, Watco, etc.) -- as long as you let it fully cure before coming into contact with food. And the cure time is about 30 days.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

5. 
   KarenMFH | Dec 04, 2016 12:14am | #21

   Ipe Countertops

   Hi,

   I noticed you were interested in fabricating kitchen countertops from Ipe and were concerned about food safety. I'm considering the same plan with the same concerns. Would you be so kind as to share your experience with this wood - what you learned and what you tried?

   Thanks so much, 

   Karen