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Thread: Favorite exotic wood?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    Seattle area , Duvall
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    2,103

    Favorite exotic wood?

    Hi, I was wondering what I should do for my next project.It got me thinking, "hmm whats some of the creekers favorite exotic wood"
    Something planeable etc. I did a search but found nothing.I may just incorporate some of it in a next project.Dresser or even mirror.
    Im new to the exotics but I think I like wenge an zebrawood. Something thats dark and grainy that would look nice clear.Please tell me what you like.
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Mahogany is tropical, so I guess that qualifies as as exotic, but it's fairly common in furniture. It is my favorite wood to work and one of my favorites to look at though.

    Cocobolo creates beautiful things, but it's not easy to work.
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Lewiston, Idaho
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    I have 2 favorites....cocobolo and osage orange
    Ken

    So much to learn, so little time.....

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    South Carolina
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ken Fitzgerald
    I have 2 favorites....cocobolo and osage orange

    LOL ..I guess that compared to Idaho, Missouri is tropical!!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    Travelers Rest, S.C.
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    I agree with John,I love the look of mahogany!

    I like the look and grain pattern of Macassar Ebony, but you'd have to take out a 2nd mortgage on your home to be able to afford a few boards!
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  6. #6
    Join Date
    Apr 2006
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    Escondido, CA
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    Paduak, Purpleheart, and various rosewoods are my favorite, but the purpleheart is difficult to plane unless you use a high-angle smoother.

    When I tried planing a bit of zebra wood, the changes in grain direction left a row of tear-out on every stripe.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    New Jersey
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    Love Bethlehem Olive wood but too expensive so next best is any of the Rosewoods. When shined up they are the king of woods.
    John T.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Laguna Beach , Ca.
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    Shedua.....wenge....its a love hate relationship
    "All great work starts with love .... then it is no longer work"

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    Oak Creek, Wisconsin
    Posts
    127

    Exotic Koa

    I love curly Koa - the figure and color variation within a piece are absolutley beautiful. But, man it ain't cheap and difficult to find wide and long pieces.

    -- Phil

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Thousand Oaks, CA
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    108
    Cocobolo and ziracote.

  11. #11
    Rosewood burl. Awesome stuff.
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  12. #12
    Bubinga & Lacewood

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Griswold Connecticut
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    Bubinga,Anigre, and Macassar ebony. One more wood is Mopane, but I've never seen it bigger than 8" square blocks.

    I'm with Mark on the Wenge. Love the look, but the working part leaves little to be desired. It's the only wood I wear gloves with around the machines. My old shop teacher would be having fits if he caught me with gloves on around 'chinery.

  14. #14
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    Mar 2003
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    Thibodaux, La.
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    I, personally, am a teak freak. I know, I know, it's hard on tools and tough to glue.
    Lynn J. Sonier

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
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    SE PA - Central Bucks County
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    I haven't picked one yet...I so rarely use "exotics".
    --

    The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...

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