Leopardwood – Exotic Hardwood Lumber
- At September 26, 2011
- By Frederick Advertising
- In General
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The exotic hardwood lumber for today’s conversation is Leopardwood (Panopsis rubellens). This species is native to Brazil and South America and is similar in appearance to several other woods including Lacewood, Planewood and Australian Silky Oak. My experiences with all of these exotic woods have led me to conclude that Leopardwood appears to be the darkest in color and tends to be denser. The heartwood color is a dark reddish brown with abundant and very eye-catching flakes and rays on the surface of the lumber which is almost always quartersawn. The texture of Leopardwood is medium to fine with a straight and slightly irregular grain. Despite all of the figure in this wood and its reputation for handing out splinters, it works amazingly well with both machine and hand tools. I can attest to this from first hand experience as we actually make Leopardwood crown molding, picture frame molding and bar rails in our millwork shop.
We run this wood through our molder and shapers with an end result off the high speed knives that is incredible. When analyzing the figure in this wood, the expectation is to see tear out in the molding and shaping operations. I find the reverse to be true. This exotic wood also glues very well with normal yellow glue and bisquets. It can be brought to a fine polished finish using oils, lacquers and urethanes. Our customers have been buying Leopardwood from us for over a dozen years to make picture frames, small boxes, knife scales, fine furniture, cabinetry, and wood turnings. It is typically available in 4/4 and 8/4 thicknesses, in widths from 4” to 8” and in lengths from 6’ to 12’. It is also available as turning stock and in our line of domestic & exotic wood veneers. Check us out at Hardwoods Inc Exotic & Domestic Lumber.