Janka Scale

[Stray Feathers]

Not sure where to put this - and this is why I would like to see a section on the forum for "Wood". Some luthier friends and I may be able to get some tonewoods in an estate sort of sale, among which is some rough Cocobolo. I have not worked with that wood and so started doing some research. I discovered that on some versions of the Janka hardness scale it is rated at 2960 (lb/force I think), but in others it is 1136 or thereabouts. I can see where different numbers get repeated over and over, correct or incorrect, around the internet. I have scoured the 'net but I have not been able to find a Janka scale from the people who do the testing. I have seen the same anomalies with Ovangkol and some other woods too. Does anyone know where I might find a reliable scale? Also, I understand Cocobolo is very oily and difficult to glue (found some tips here on the forum) and I/we would appreciate any other advice. Bruce W.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

I'd relay on the Wood Database.
2950
I built a dred with Cocobolo and I had no issues gluing it. It's no oiler than EIR in my opinion.
Wipe your joints with acetone before gluing if your concerned and you'll be fine.
It makes a wonderful guitar.

[scamp]

Just completed building a cocobolo OOO 12 fret.
Purchased the cocobolo from Marvel Woods.
According to their web site the Janka Hardness is about 2960 LBf (14,140 N)

From my experience there was no problem gluing with Titebond Original as long as you wipe the joints with acetone to remove the oil.
I didn't have any allergic reaction to the dust but I took precautions and wore dust masks etc.
The wood (at least in my experience ) was very oily and I needed to be careful about not bleeding the orange colored oil into the European spruce top.
I would also suggest that you keep the sides and back on the thinner side.
The stuff is like sheet metal.

All that said... I absolutely love the sound of the end product. Powerful, glassy highs, etc.