The Durable Beauty of Exotic Hardwoods in Woodworking
As a dedicated woodworker, I find great enjoyment in the various woods that allow me to realize my craftsmanship. One of my true favorites among exotic hardwoods is Bolivian rosewood, a rare and beautiful wood that I often use for intricate box making. My experience with this wood dates back a few years, when I was fortunate enough to purchase quality material at a very reasonable price. So, if you are a woodworker or simply love wood, let's explore what makes Bolivian rosewood a favorite for me and others in the woodworking community.
Why Bolivian Rosewood?
Bolivian rosewood stands out in the world of exotic hardwoods due to its distinct characteristics and exceptional workability. It typically retails at a higher price of 25-30 a board foot, due to its rarity and the effort involved in harvesting it. However, I was lucky enough to find some that was priced between 10-15 a board foot, allowing me to create numerous boxes which were eventually sold. If you are looking to explore detailed woodworking projects, there is an extensive and valuable resource available. The link provided offers a comprehensive list of over 16,000 projects, each paired with step-by-step instructions, making the building process both accessible and educational for both beginners and seasoned craftspeople.
Discovering Chakte Viga
Another exotic wood that truly stands out to me is Chakte Viga. This wood displays a striking bright orange color that intensifies as it oxidizes. Unlike other exotic woods like Purple Heart and African Padauk, which become duller shades of brown as they age, Chakte Viga maintains its vibrant hue. This wood is not commonly used for furniture building but excels as a design element and for veneering. If you have the opportunity to work with Chakte Viga, I highly recommend you do so, as its unique beauty and durability are truly remarkable.
Greenheart: A Durable Option
While I often prefer more common woods like oak and larch, there is one exotic wood that stands out due to its exceptional durability. A few years ago, I had the unique opportunity to work with Greenheart, a wood salvaged from a local pier and used in the construction of a bridge. Greenheart presented challenges with its toughness and heavy weight, requiring the use of a respirator to protect against potential allergic reactions. Despite these difficulties, the wood's resilience is unparalleled. Several years later, the bridge built from Greenheart continues to look almost as good as new, with no signs of rot or wear, even in areas exposed to heavy daily use. This stands as a testament to its durability and the authenticity of the material I had carefully chosen.
Conclusions and Recommendations
The world of exotic hardwoods offers a vast array of options, each with its unique characteristics and applications. Whether it is the vibrant beauty of Bolivian rosewood, the striking color of Chakte Viga, or the sheer durability of Greenheart, these woods offer something special to the woodworker. If you are passionate about woodworking and are constantly seeking projects that stretch your creativity and knowledge, these woods can truly serve as the perfect choice.