Hammer5573 Posted June 13, 2019 Report Share Posted June 13, 2019 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 Never used it but make sure all your cutting tools are sharp and you should come out as best possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 14, 2019 Report Share Posted June 14, 2019 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phinds Posted July 29, 2019 Report Share Posted July 29, 2019 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post gee-dub Posted July 30, 2019 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 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. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hammer5573 Posted July 30, 2019 Author Report Share Posted July 30, 2019 That’s an awesome job...! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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