Official Luthiers Forum!

I am planning on starting 2 new guitars. I cut some Wenge and Zircote back in the spring and thought about using that. So far I have only use Mahogany and EIR. When trying to thickness these woods they seem really hard, esp the Zircote. Are they more difficult to work with than the others?

Thanks
Richard

Richard,

The short answer is yes, much more difficult than mahogany.

I haven't used Ziricote, but it has a reputation for splitting or developing cracks rather easily.

The Wenge I have used, but only for headplates, small details and other projects. It is dense, course grained and tends to splinter rather badly.

I will let the more experienced weigh in regarding bending etc, and how to deal with the stuff.

_________________
"Building guitars looks hard, but it's actually much harder than it looks." Tom Buck

Can't speak to Zirocote yet either (although I have some sets begging me). As for Wenge, the main thing I would suggest is to bend your sides hot and reheat at least twice in the bender to set the bend. If there isn't a little scorching, it wasn't hot enough! And then plan on touching it up on a pipe. It springs back like nothing else I've worked with. Never had any break though.

Also, pay attention to the price of your favorite pore filler and stock up if there are any sales. You will need a lot of it.......

Otherwise, it's a fabulous wood, one of my favorites.

_________________
http://www.chassonguitars.com

The most important thing when working with wenge is to have one of those pointy tip splinter tweezers handy.

_________________
Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

I have learned that the hard way

Richard