Thanks all for the advice. I removed the goo and plan to oil the piece and be done with it. The less time I spend learning about this stuff and trying new approaches, the sooner I can return to more productive (paddling related) pursuits. The best thing to come out of this is that I won't be tempted to use cocobolo for accents on a boat some day.

BTW, the piece in question was just a drawer pull. The vanity is a rework of a $6 garage sale drop leaf table that turned out to be solid cherry. It is looking nice in spite of my missteps, and if I get it done before Monday it just may buy me the domestic tolerance I will need for a boatbuilding project.

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!