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Purpleheart
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Species - Imported
Top portion is finished with water-base finish; bottom with oil-based finish
Appearance
Color: Heartwood is brown when freshly cut, turning deep purple to purplish brown over time. Sapwood is a lighter cream color.
Grain: Usually straight; medium to fine texture. Presence of minerals in some boards may cause uneven coloration.
Variations Within Species And Grades: Moderate to high color variation.
Workability
Sawing/Machining: Moderately difficult due to hardness; frequent sharpening of tools required; slow feed rate and carbide tooling recommended.
Sanding: Moderately difficult.
Nailing: Good holding ability.
Finishing: Takes finishes well; some have found that water-based finishes hold color better. Tendency to bleed with some finishes.
Comments Origin: North America
Properties
Hardness/Janka: 2890, (124% harder than Northern red oak.
Dimensional Stability: Above average (6.1; 29% more stable than Northern red oak).
Durability: Availability
Limited.