Posted by Mark Bronkalla on October 06, 2003 at 12:31:21:
In Reply to: Re: Ipe for Boatbuilding posted by Graham Knight on October 06, 2003 at 01:17:06:
I have used IPE for decking, a swim platform for my boat and for some deck chairs.
It is extremely dense and hard, swim platform sinks when removed from the boat.
Epoxy holds quite well. The deck chairs are made of mortise and tennon and rabbet joints held in place with epoxy - no fasterners other than for pivots. On small arm joint came loose, but no post mortem yet. Overall, I would say that it is compatible with epoxy.
It is brittle - splits easily. ALL holes must be pre-drilled. I can't imagine trying to staple sheets of plywood to it.
It is extremely stiff. Horrible to bend. No good for battens, chines, shears for that reason.
The dust from machining causes a strong allergic reaction for some folks.
Your stated prices are over $3/sq ft. this is 1.5-2X what I pay for #1C white oak locally. Admittedly the IPE will be very clear, and the grain is even straighter than Select and Better Oak.
If you can buy oak for a roughly comparable price (even at a 50% premium) use it for most of the frame. Trim pieces, rub rails etc. are good candidates for ipe.