To use or not

[56nortondomy]

I have a set of Cocobolo that I started a build with about 4 years, I got as far as bracing the back, I left it in the shed one day at about 25 deg. and the next day when I went out it had a few cracks in it. I poured ca over them and it's been sitting around ever since. The cracks are pretty much sealed up, is it worthwhile using it or should I just make headplates and rosettes out of it, just seems a waste to do that. The ca hasn't been cleaned up so you can see the extent of the cracking. Wayne

[Mark McLean]

I would sand it back and see if the cracks seem sound. If it has been a few years and there are no new cracks it is seeming pretty stable. It certainly is nice looking wood!
Have you built with cocobolo before? I can't use it because of allergy to the dust, and I experienced some unpleasant skin/eye/breathing trouble finding this out. It is an individual thing, so hopefully you won't have any problem. It could make a lovely guitar.
Mark

[56nortondomy]

Thanks for the input Mark. I've built 2 guitars out of coco, first was the replacement for this set, I haven't had any problems health wise with it. I did have gluing problems when I first used it, but have since sorted those out. I'll do as you suggest and sand it back for a look as soon as I get a chance. I think it may have been a dodgy set when I got it, it was supplied by the customer, the set came with a small split when it arrived here, I emailed the vendor and he said it was ok when it left and to ca it, so I did but it got more splits later so I shelved it, I replaced it with a set from RC tonewoods it was a much nicer set and cheaper as well and there was no problems after that. Wayne

[kiwigeo]

Sand back an area of the back and then give it a coat of shellac to see how the cracks look under a finish.