PURPLEHEART

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Purpleheart heartwood is a deep purple-violet when freshly cut, maturing to a dark brown. The original color is restored when re-cut. Grain is straight, but often irregular, wavy and sometimes interlocked. Texture is moderate to fine.

WORKING PROPERTIES

Difficult to work. Moderate to severe blunting effect on cutters. Exudes gummy resin when heated by dull cutters. Recommend running material slowly through machines equipped with HSS knives. Pre-drilling needed for nailing. Takes glue well. Stains and wax polishes easily

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

High strength in bending, stiffness and crushing. Medium resistance to shock loads. Moderate steam bending characteristics.

MAIN USES

Flooring, tool handles, turning, decorative veneers, inlays/accent pieces, flooring, furniture, boatbuilding, heavy construction, and a variety of specialty wood items.