Questions About Leopardwood

[Hammer5573]

My son just surprised me with some Leopardwood for Fathers Day. I just checked it out on the hardness scale and noticed that it’s harder than Hickory.

Has anyone out there worked with it? Specifically, how difficult is it to hand/machine plane? Is the grain consistent? Are there wood finishes that work better than others?

[Chestnut]

Never used it but make sure all your cutting tools are sharp and you should come out as best possible.

[wtnhighlander]

This is an observation, not personal experience, but I think leopardwood looks better with a film finish, that a penetrating oil. Oil darkens the grain and reduces the contrast too much, IMO.

[phinds]

It's a tough, splintery wood that looks great when finished (and the more quartersawn the better) but it's tough on tools. I've never tried using hand tools on it but I would imagine that would be very difficult. It's very tough on planers.

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/leopard.htmPanopsis rubescens

[gee-dub]

I agree it can be a challenge to work with but, worth the effort.  The figure makes hand tools a challenge as well; scrapers more than planes for surface prep in my shop with this stuff.

Here it is mated with some Peruvian walnut.  The finish is an oil/varnish blend.

As mentioned the penetrating finish does soften the contrast.

[Hammer5573]

That’s an awesome job...!