Purpleheart

[dance]

I went to my local hardwood merchant on Monday to buy some purpleheart and maple for a chopping board.

I was surprised when the sales staff warned me off the purpleheart because it was unpredictable to work with once crosscut or ripped and advised against any other exotic wood because of allergic reactions.

In the end I left with American oak and hard maple.

But I wish I'd come away with purpleheart!

Does anyone have some they'd like to sell?!

 

[Doug B]

Is it just the colour you want Dance?

 

[CHJ]

..... Monday to buy some purpleheart ....for a chopping board.

My experience is that it can be quite brittle, suspect I would have said for a chopping board.

 

[dance]

Is it just the colour you want Dance?

Well, the colour would be good because I was aiming to make a modern chequered end grain chopping board - per the wood whisperer's Vid.

 

[milkman]

The dust is toxic. Can't comment on its suitability for chopping boards.

 

[devonwoody]

It doesnt stay purple if left in daylight, mine goes off colour quite quickly.

Yandles usually have some and will send via courier if you still interested.

 

[Scouse]

Exposure to the dust of many exotic hardwoods will cause a respiratory allergy, purpleheart dust can also cause contact dermatitis, but with a bit of common sense in avoiding the dust, there should be no problems.

It is a hard, brittle wood, but I outside of that I can't say it's caused me any more problems in working it than any other tropical hardwood. Keep your tools sharp, though.

As for the colour change, it does move toward a darker brownish purple, but the time it takes, I suspect, will depend upon the board.

Some will go off quickly, as noted above, but the picture below shows the end of a board I've had seasoning in the workshop. It was cut almost three years ago and is kept in a south facing workshop with large patio windows, yet still purple.

El.

 

[goldeneyedmonkey]

From what I remember Marc Spagnuolo's (spelling?) end grain chopping board split didn't it? I can't remember why, but I think he did repair it in a later episode, I'd have a gander @ it if you haven't already.

Cheers _Dan

 

[dance]

Hi yes I remember the split! It was caused by standing water!

 

[Benchwayze]

Hi yes I remember the split! It was caused by standing water!

He probably took it to the coast and went surfing on it?
8)

John