What is Rosewood?
Rosewood is a hard exotic wood with a Janka hardness rating of 1,780 lbf, or pounds-force. The sapwood, or wood between the bark and heartwood, is soft and porous while the heartwood is extremely dense and hard.
There are several different rosewood species throughout South America, Asia, and the Middle East. Often, the term rosewood is used to refer to richly colored timbers or wood, however, the true rosewoods all belong to the genus Dalbergia. Named after its sweet flower smell, its distinct fragrance is an easy way to determine whether or not it is a true rosewood.
Rosewood displays hints of coarse grains with a smooth texture and varys in color from yellow-orange to deep purple with black striations. Rosewood has become so overexploited and so endangered, that all 300 species are now under strict trade restrictions.
Why choose Rosewood?
Rosewood is a beautiful exotic wood that takes an excellent polish. The range and richness of its colors make it a beautiful wood for small carvings such as chess pieces, fountain pens, or musical instruments.
Rosewood has a rich, classic look to it when it has a clear finish. With such unique characteristics and unmatched beauty, we felt it was just as important to share as any wood that actually comes through our shop.
While the true rosewoods are too restricted to purchase or sell, there are other “rosewoods” that make a great substitute and demonstrate the same characteristics and outward appearance of true rosewood. Bolivian Rosewood, for example, is probably one of the closest in resemblence and is most commonly manufactured as veneers, cabinetry, flooring, instruments, and so forth.
Rosewood in Woodworking
In woodworking, it is rarely used due to the heavy trade restrictions, let alone stained. The beauty of the wood is so rare, it is almost always finished as its own natural color.
Rosewood that has been purchased and attained legally is usually used for veneers, but is also often used in wood turning as highlight pieces. Rosewood is easy to work with and turns well. It also cutss well and can be carved easily.
If working with rosewood, it is important to check the cutting surfaces of the machines, as rosewood has a tendency to dull blades and knives faster than most other woods. Though the trade restrictions prevent us from working with rosewood very often, we felt the beauty of this wood is so rare that we had to share it.
Contact us today about finding the perfect wood for your next project.