WOOD SPECIES:
Purpleheart
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Peltogyne paniculata
OTHER COMMON NAMES:
Amarante, Amaranth, Purpleheart, Purple Heart, Violetwood, Koroboreli, Saka, Sakavalli, Purperhart, Pau Roxo, Nazareno, Morado, Tananeo, Palo Morado, Guarabu
TYPICAL USES:
Purpleheart hardwood is typically used in the creation of furniture, flooring, boat building, decorative wood products, as well as in carving and wood turning applications.
SOURCES:
Central America, Latin America
AVG BENDING STRENGTH:
21,800 psi
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
0.82
AVG WEIGHT:
58 lbs/cu.ft.
SAPWOOD COLOR:
Purpleheart sapwood tends to be a light reddish-pink color.
HEARTWOOD COLOR:
Despite a dull brown appearance upon first being cut, Purpleheart heartwood changes quickly to its namesake bright purple hue.
GRAIN:
Purpleheart lumber’s grain is usually straight, although some stock may exhibit a wavy or irregular grain pattern.
TEXTURE:
Medium to coarse textured wood with small pores.
LUSTER:
Purpleheart exhibits only a moderate luster.
MOVEMENT:
Some dimensional movement has been noted in Purpleheart lumber.
DURABILITY:
Aside from susceptibility to marine borers, Purpleheart is considered to be highly durable and resistant to decay and most insects.
BLUNTING EFFECT:
A moderate blunting effect on cutting edges is noticed.
CUTTING RESISTANCE:
Aside from occasional gumming, Purpleheart saws quite easily.
PLANING:
Straight-grained samples of Purpleheart plane easier than interlocked or wavy grained stock. However, due to its high density and resin content, sharp knives and adjusted angles and speeds are recommended for best results.
TURNING:
Purpleheart is a favorite on the woodworking lathe. Sharp tools are recommended.
BORING:
Boring operations produce satisfactory results.
GLUING:
Purpleheart exhibits above-average gluing properties, responding well to most applications.
NAILING:
Pre-drilling is recommended for best results.
SCREWING:
Pre-drilling is recommended for best results.
POLISHING:
Purpleheart takes on a pleasing, high polish finish.
STAINING:
Purpleheart takes most stains quite well, though wax is recommended in order to maintain the rich natural color of the species.
STEAM BENDING:
Steam bending runs the risk of significant color change in the wood.
