![]() ![]() Similar to JWO, Japanese Red Oak is closed grain and also has medullary rays. Japanese Red Oak (JRO) is as different from American Red Oak as the “the moon and a mud turtle,” as they say over here. Usunomi paring chisel with Japanese White Oak handle Japanese Red Oak Japanese Red Oak acorns JWO generally has a bland, indistinct grain with few flecks, not a problem for a tool handle or plane block, but less than ideal for furniture. This discoloration in no way weakens or harms the wood, it just makes it look dirty. This tendency is not strong among the Japanese people, but it is among many Caucasians, including me. Tannic acid can react with some people’s sweat causing the wood to turn a dirty grey color. Tannin, which is the base word of both tanning and tannic acid, comes from the medieval Latin word tannāre, a derivative of tannum (oak bark), from which the tannic acid compound is derived. In fact, bark and chips from this wood have been used since before written history to tan leather because this chemical converts animal skins that would otherwise rot into durable leather. Like White Oak everywhere, it contains tannic acid. JWO is not a slick wood when dry and does not become slippery when wet, important characteristics in a tool handle where staying attached to the blade and staying secure in a sweaty hand while being pounded on are part of the job. It holds up well to being struck with steel hammers. The color is a little whiter than the American or European varieties, and in fact, it’s a little denser and stronger than either. Japanese White Oak (JWO) is very similar to American White Oak in that it is closed grain, dense, and has medullary rays. Japanese White Oak Japanese White Oak tree We can also provide usunomi paring chisels with Rosewood handles, but let’s look at White Oak first. The chisels we sell all have wooden handles in several varieties of wood, the two most common being Japanese White Oak and Japanese Red Oak. In this article your most humble and obedient servant will describe the woods available and the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you make an informed decision. Our customers outside of Japan frequently need some information to help them select the best wood for their chisel handles. See downloads, size charts and more information on hardwoods.The Right Wood for the Right Place 適所適材 Old Japanese Saying As with many other hardwoods, we suggest dust containment and wearing a dust mask to reduce inhaling sawdust.Finishing recommendations: go for polyurethane, epoxies, or similar to make the grain and color stand out.On our scale of favorites, we’d put it at 7 of 10 – losing points for its working challenges.We stock 4/4 and 8/4 thicknesses in random widths and random lengths the pieces are generally wide and long.Although it will turn darker in color, even with a UV sealant on exterior projects. Outdone only by Osage Orange and Katalox, it is surprisingly rot and insect resistant to the point that it is commonly used as decking or dock material. Purple heart wood is the third hardest wood we currently stock! ![]() It is this denseness that makes this wood a little challenging to work with, with a dulling effect on tools also the resin in this wood will melt out when exposed to heat which can gum up tools. Usually found in large pieces extra care should be taken when handling this wood as it is very heavy. One of more unique woods out there, it is normally found in some shade of purple although this is only the heartwood as the sapwood is white.Īs with all vibrantly colored woods long term exposure to UV light will eventually fade the color to a dark brown with hints of purple.Ĭoming from South America this wood is relatively inexpensive for an “exotic hardwood” and is one I do my best to keep continuously in stock. Purple heart wood is one of the woods that will glow under a black light with usually yellow or orange streaks (not all boards do). An interesting fact about purple heart wood: ![]()
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