Cleaning a large purpleheart slab

[Woodchipper]

I scored a large piece of purpleheart, one of my favorite woods, at a local symposium; 12x12x3. It is covered in wax. I can take a cheap knife and scrap off the wax from pen blanks. However, to tackle a large piece of wood is a different story. Cut and just clean what is being used? Your help is appreciated.

 

[keithbyrd]

I would still do the same thing - scrape off the wax - you can get the bulk of it off. If you are going to turn with it no big deal. I have also scraped and then ran it through my band saw or table saw just skimming the wood to clean it off

 

[randyrls]

Scrape most of the wax off with a paint scraper. To get the last off, use 4-5 layers of paper towel and heat with an iron. Clean off the iron afterward. Use solvents to remove the wax from the iron.

 

[robutacion]

With such a slab size, I would run in on a thicknesser or even an electric hand planner, the wood comes out clean and no wax.

Cheers
George

 

[Woodchipper]

Thanks. Lots to consider. I don't want to cut it all up at once. Since I'm into pens, I might just slice off enough for a few blanks. Maybe look at the grain and cut some later for some small turning projects- lidded container, perhaps?

 

[Woodchipper]

Reviewing this thread. Thanks to all for your replies.