Apply oil to over-dry Jatoba before milling?

[James Carmichael]

I have some weathered pieces of Jatoba that I picked up from Lumber Liquidators and was thinking of using some to make a marking gauge.

I'm concerned that this wood is so dry that when a finish is applied, it's going to drink it up and move like crazy. Would it be feasible to sand, apply a couple coats of BLO, and let it sit for a couple of weeks to stabilize before jointing and cutting?

Thanks!

[Mark Singer]

I would mill it dry in the normal manner. i have used Jatoba a lot....it is very stable. A great flooring wood!

[James Carmichael]

I would mill it dry in the normal manner. i have used Jatoba a lot....it is very stable. A great flooring wood!

Precisely why I want to use it for a marking gauge.

Thanks, Mark!