Snakewood

BOTANIC NAME: Piratinera guianensis

ORIGIN: South America

DESCRIPTION: It has a density of 1210 kg/m3. It owes its name to its characteristic snakeskin patterns. This wood is usually reddish brown, with dark brown or black patches. Its color tends to darken and homogenize along the years and exposure. It has a straight grain, with a fine and uniform texture. Snakewood has a natural brightness and is very durable and resistant to insect attack, although it is rarely used for outdoor applications where durability would be a problem.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This wood is extremely dense and it usually blunts the cutters. It tends to be quite brittle and it can easily splinter while you work with it. This wood can be finished with a high polish.

USE: It is ideal for woodturning.