Favorite exotic wood?

[Craig D Peltier]

Hi, I was wondering what I should do for my next project.It got me thinking, "hmm whats some of the creekers favorite exotic wood"
Something planeable etc. I did a search but found nothing.I may just incorporate some of it in a next project.Dresser or even mirror.
Im new to the exotics but I think I like wenge an zebrawood. Something thats dark and grainy that would look nice clear.Please tell me what you like.
Thanks

[John Schreiber]

Mahogany is tropical, so I guess that qualifies as as exotic, but it's fairly common in furniture. It is my favorite wood to work and one of my favorites to look at though.

Cocobolo creates beautiful things, but it's not easy to work.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I have 2 favorites....cocobolo and osage orange

[Mark Stutz]

I have 2 favorites....cocobolo and osage orange


LOL:D ..I guess that compared to Idaho, Missouri is tropical!!:eek: :D ;)

[Mike Langford]

I agree with John,I love the look of mahogany!

I like the look and grain pattern of Macassar Ebony, but you'd have to take out a 2nd mortgage on your home to be able to afford a few boards!:eek:

[Brian Kent]

Paduak, Purpleheart, and various rosewoods are my favorite, but the purpleheart is difficult to plane unless you use a high-angle smoother.

When I tried planing a bit of zebra wood, the changes in grain direction left a row of tear-out on every stripe.

[John Terefenko]

Love Bethlehem Olive wood but too expensive so next best is any of the Rosewoods. When shined up they are the king of woods.

[Mark Singer]

Shedua.....wenge....its a love hate relationship:rolleyes:

[Phil Harding]

I love curly Koa - the figure and color variation within a piece are absolutley beautiful. But, man it ain't cheap and difficult to find wide and long pieces.

-- Phil

[Rich Person]

Cocobolo and ziracote.

[Bruce Boone]

Rosewood burl. Awesome stuff.

[John Michaels]

Bubinga & Lacewood

[Mike Cutler]

Bubinga,Anigre, and Macassar ebony. One more wood is Mopane, but I've never seen it bigger than 8" square blocks.

I'm with Mark on the Wenge. Love the look, but the working part leaves little to be desired. It's the only wood I wear gloves with around the machines. My old shop teacher would be having fits if he caught me with gloves on around 'chinery.:eek:

[Lynn Sonier]

I, personally, am a teak freak. I know, I know, it's hard on tools and tough to glue.

[Jim Becker]

I haven't picked one yet...I so rarely use "exotics".

[Mario Lucchesi]

Tulip wood is cool and so is Kingwood. They make some great looking pens.

[Mark Valsi]

does CHEAP ASS PLYWOOD from Home Depot qualify :D

[Doug Shepard]

Mottled Makore is gorgeous. I just picked up a few Mango boards that look pretty sweet too.

[Paul Canaris]

Bubinga............

[Mike Cutler]

does CHEAP ASS PLYWOOD from Home Depot qualify :D

After some of the things I've seen it do on it's own, I'd say it's pretty exotic.:eek: :eek: :D ;)

[Gary Keedwell]

After some of the things I've seen it do on it's own, I'd say it's pretty exotic.:eek: :eek: :D ;)
Especially when it starts "peeling" off its layers.:p

Gary K.