On 26 Jun 2005 16:50:53 -0700, "Tattooed and Dusty"
wrote:

I just finished a small project working with Ipe for a client. While
most of the troubles I had won't apply to you, I will warn that I will
most likely never use the stuff again. It is by far the hardest,
densest, and foul material I have ever worked with.

Two router bits broken, half a dozen drill bits, and I need to replace
or sharpen every blade that touched the stuff.

HUH? I use it and other tropicals every day and get two months out of
a bi metal bandsaw blade 4 or months between blade sharpenings. 4
months or so on planer knives.
myself if I am machining wood I rather work with tropicals then
american woods.
Knight-Toolworks
http://www.knight-toolworks.com
affordable handmade wooden planes