Working wenge ?

[Don Armstrong]

How easy is wenge to work with. Thinking of doing a riser out of it. Thanks, Don

[jsweka]

I've been thinking about using it for a riser too.  I've heard that the grain is pretty rough,so you need to use a lot of grain filler before finishing.

Looking forward to what others say on this topic.

[DVSHUNTER]

Ive ised wenge on a few tips and a handle overlay. The grain does tear more than pther woods. It only allows for working it one way. Sandpaper and fine files worked best imo.  As far as finishing it, i used alot of finish before finally saying enough is enough. I never did get it to smooth out. I would say some type of grain filler would have fixed it. It looks good when finished.

[Walt Francis]

I used wenge in a couple of risers with good results.  As Jesweka mentioned, it requires extra filler.  It will vary from piece to piece but tends to be a little brittle, expect to get a lot of slivers. After the first couple of risers I limited it to accent stripes.  Overall it works, but for me there are better woods and materials to use.

[Buemaker]

I have read that splinters in fingers can cause infections, so better be careful. In PA some years ago they showed a bow were wenge was used as a belly laminate. Bue--.

[T Folts]

After the batch I have is gone I wont be working with it again. It's beautiful but hard to finish.
Also as mentioned it is brittle and hard to sand when thin without it chipping.

[Dmaxshawn]

It works pretty well for me with sandpaper as stated above.  The only draw back is it takes a bunch of CA glue and then 4-5 finger rubbed coats of tru-oil after that to fill all the pores.   It's worth it though.  Very pretty wood but thats just my two cents worth.

[Don Armstrong]

Thanks guys, I might re-think it and go with something else like cocobolo. Don

[Hermann From Bavaria]

i´ve built some risers out of wenge, for take-downs and onepieces. the grains very rough, with rasps it tends to splintering. i use ca-glue to fill the pores. i use rubber-gloves to apply the glue, then sand it and spray 2-3 coats of urethane on it.

cheers

[md126]

imo there are prettier and easier woods to work with.

if you have some good pieces you don't want to waste and you're set on it for a riser then go for it. like others have said though, you can also limit it to accent stripes, overlays, tips, etc..