Padauk overview Latin: pterocarpus soyauxii origin: west africa
Padauk is an exotic wood that is a bright orange or almost crimson wood when freshly cut, but oxidizes to a darker, rich purple-brown over time – although it stays redder than indian rosewood. It often grows in small groups and is reported to be common in dense equatorial rain forests
Birch overview Latin: betula alleghaniensis origin: north America
Birch is a domestic wood reported to be full of natural waxes that render it waterproof. The tough and durable bark is also reported to remain in the soil long after the inside of the tree has rotted away. The fully grown tree is reported to be often 70 to 100 feet in height and 30 inches in diameter.
Bloodwood overview Latin: brosimum rubescens origin: south america
Bloodwood is an exotic wood that is sometimes referred to as cardinal wood, for its obvious beautiful deep rose color. With age it’s color does darken, but not significantly so it is a great wood to use in intarsia projects.
Bubinga overview Latin: guibourta demeusei origin: central africa
Bubinga is an exotic wood from central africa. It is initially pinky-red, but darkens with age. It is popular for tool handles, decorative veneers, turnery, boatbuilding, knife handles, and can be used as an alterntive to rosewood.
Cherry overview Latin: prunus serotina origin: north america
American black cherry is a domestic wood that is usually considered to be in the same class as mahogany for usage in the united states. It is described as wood for fine furniture. The staff and strong wood is reported to work easily with both hand and machine tools.
Maple (red leaf) Latin: acer rubrum origin: north america
Red leaf maple is commonly called soft maple, but the name often fools many woodworkers. Soft maple is only slightly softer than hard, sugar maple. Often red leaf maple has better color and a more interesting grain pattern.
