Bolivian Rosewood

This is a wood of many names but Pau Ferro is actually it’s name, it is sometimes called Morado—and because the wood is so similar in appearance and working properties to rosewood, it is also sometimes referred to as Santos rosewood. The wood has been used in various capacities as a substitute for the endangered Brazilian rosewood

 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Color can be highly varied, ranging from reddish/orange to a dark violet/brown, usually with contrasting darker black streaks. Narrow sapwood is a pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Grain is typically straight, though sometimes slightly irregular or interlocked depending on the species. Fine, even texture and a naturally high luster—though depending on the particular species, the wood can have a coarser, more fibrous texture.

WORKING PROPERTIES

Pau ferro is considered overall to be of fair workability, as it can blunt the cutting edges of tools, and any irregular grain has a tendency to tearout during machining operations. Also, many of the same challenges in gluing rosewoods are common to Pau ferro as well. Pau ferro turns and finishes well..

MAIN USES

Veneer, musical instruments, cabinetry, flooring, interior trim, turning, and other small specialty wood objects.