Argentinean Lignum Vitae

By Frank December 5, 2024

The original “Lignum vitae” (Guaiacum) is Latin for “wood of life”, and derives from its medicinal resin used to treat a variety of medical conditions from coughs to arthritis, and chips of the wood can also be used to brew a tea. Lignum vitae is one of the numerous durable, hard, and dense woods referred to as ironwood. On the Janka Scale of Hardness, which measures hardness of woods, lignum vitae ranks highest of the trade woods, registering at 4500 lbf.

Argentine lignum vitae is closest to Bulnesia arborea and Bulnesia sarmientoi in the same subfamily as Guaiacum and is compared to Verawood. Being somewhat similar in appearance with a fine yet oily grain, and color varying from a light brown to a very dark brownish green, it’s working qualities are as genuine lignum vitae. Dense and hard, Argentine lignum vitae is great for lathe turning.

In this article we are taking some time in the wood shop to show you a couple of projects with this Argentine lignum vitae. First we explain making your own chopsticks, followed by turning two bench dogs.

For the chopsticks project we used the following tools:

Safety Glasses

Lignum Vitae Wood, Item #838064

Rikon 14″ Deluxe Bandsaw, Item #834771

WoodRiver Low Angle Block Plane, Item #151125

WoodRiver Spokeshave, Item #150740

DeWalt 12V Cordless Drill, Item #848050

Norton Soft Touch Flexible Sanding Pads, Item #152852
(on-line soon)

Acetone, Item #85051 or
Mineral Spirits, Item #85H04

Watco Lacquer Gloss Spray Finish, Item #146946 or
General Finishes Salad Bowl Finish, Item #125374

Pinnacle Workbench, Item #150811

For the bench dogs project we used the following tools: