Wood ID Needed

[Mark Kuzee]

What did I just buy?

I just picked up a small quantity of this wood for a song at an estate sale.

It is of medium density. I can hand plane it although it is a little tough. It is an exotic obviously (meaning it does not grow in my native Michigan). It does not seem to have a scent when planed.

When I wet it with MS it turns quite dark. Water brings out the deep browns as you can see on the one shot.

I can appreciate this wood without knowing a name but if I knew what it was I may have a better idea how I want to use it.

Thanks, I appreciate your response.

Mark

[Maurice Ungaro]

The open pore pattern smacks of Mahogany, as do some of the medium brown shots.

[Mark Kuzee]

Maurice,
I just finished a job with some Honduran mahogany and this wood is considerably more dense. This would does have some large pores but overall the wood is much heavier than Mahogany. Having said that, my experience with woods not native to the US is somewhat limited.

Mark

[Maurice Ungaro]

Send me a few sticks of it,& I'll let you know if it is any good!

[Mark Kuzee]

I think I may have it: Bolivian Rosewood

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/rosewood,%20bolivian.htm

It looks remarkably similar to the pics.

Has anyone used this and what was your experience? I think it may end up being some inlaid banding on a box or possibly a pair of winding sticks. Is this stuff stable?


Mark

[Ryan Griffey]

Goncalo Alves

Might want to post it in the power tool forum.

[Tom Vanzant]

Mark, I believe you are correct...Bolivian rosewood. I have a small plank of it and gave a larger plank to a friend several years ago. He makes dulcimers and prizes Bolivian rosewood for the sound boards.

[Tony Shea]

I do think you have a rosewood of some sort. Having said that I am surprised that you think that this wood is of medium density. Most rosewood I have seriously seems like it is dense enough to sink in water.

My guess was going to be Honduras Rosewood. But as I said earlier this stuff is very dense and heavy. It can be very difficult to work with.

[Mark Kuzee]

From what I understand this Bolivian is not a "true" rosewood but still has some of the characteristics of it. I think of True Rosewood and of coarse lignum vitae as dense.

Mark

[Roy Lindberry]

What did I just buy?

I just picked up a small quantity of this wood for a song at an estate sale.

It is of medium density. I can hand plane it although it is a little tough. It is an exotic obviously (meaning it does not grow in my native Michigan). It does not seem to have a scent when planed.

When I wet it with MS it turns quite dark. Water brings out the deep browns as you can see on the one shot.

I can appreciate this wood without knowing a name but if I knew what it was I may have a better idea how I want to use it.

Thanks, I appreciate your response.

Mark

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/pau-ferro/

[Jim Belair]

I have used bolivian/ santos rosewood/ pau ferro in veneer form. I find it a bit splintery but there are several species sold by this name (as one of the references confirms). The stuff I used had a bit more colour than yours appears to.

http://www.amwoodinc.com/_uploads/products/164_VR_PAUFE_a_278W1.jpg

[Mark Kuzee]

Goncalo Alves

Might want to post it in the power tool forum.

Ryan,

I haven't ruled out Goncalo Alves.

Have you used it?


Mark