Anyone ever use............

[Kevin in California]

.....Lignum Vitae for a fretboard?
I have a wonderful block of this very dense wood that would make a number of them.

Kevin

[TonyinNYC]

I read of a guy who used it. Dont recall any problems. Post a pic when you cut it up.

[Robert Hosmer]

If you can make it work, to quote the younger generation, "that would be awesome!"

Should weigh about 25% more than Gaboon (African) ebony, but it's also about 40% harder. Less shrinkage on the Lignum Vitae compared to ebony, too.

Be sure to have plenty of extra blades- this wood is so hard that I use it for guide blocks on the bandsaw.
Another consideration is gluing due to high oil content- epoxy might be the way to go.
Other than dealing with those two obstacles, a fretboard made out of it should outlive any other wood out there. Plus, it sher will look purty!

Where did you you get a hunk that big, or did you buy a log? Hard to find those bigger pieces.

[Kevin in California]

Sheesh....I see I never answered your questions Robert.
There is a small exotic wood store in a town near me that I visit occassionally. They had a few pieces of the Lignum Vitae, this was one of the larger blocks. I cut a slice off at my wifes uncles, he has a 17" Grizzly saw with a 1 1/8" blade on it, and it cut straight, but it was still slow. Cutting it really released the odor. Kind of spicy. The 3/8" slice has stayed straight and true. If I decide to try it for a fretboard, it will be pretty cool. I think I'd want to match it with a bridge of same. I am wondering what back & side wood it would look good with.
I will have to take a picture of it for you all.

Kevin

[Ken Hundley]

If it is as hard as I am hearing, you might want to be concerned about how you are going to cut fret slots, and how you are going to get the frets in them. Otherwise, why not give it a shot?