The Wood That Bleeds Purple: A Love Letter to Purple Heart

Genus: Peltogyne

• Most Common Name: Purpleheart

• Other Common Names: Amaranth, Violet Wood, Pau Roxo, Amendoim, Nazareno, Morado

Alright, folks, let’s talk about something a little bit special. You know, the kind of thing that makes you stop scrolling and actually pay attention. I’m talking about Purple Heart wood. Yeah, you heard right – purple wood. And no, it’s not some fancy paint job; this is the real deal, straight from nature's palette, and it's absolutely mesmerising. 

Now, if you’ve ever stumbled across my work over at www.eagleeyecnc.co.uk, you'll know I’ve got a thing for making signs and inlays that stand out. I like to call it a 'touch of magic.' Well, Purple Heart is practically my secret weapon for adding that extra oomph.

So, where does this vibrant wood get its, let's be honest, slightly bonkers name? Well, it’s not because it's secretly royal (though it definitely has a majestic air about it). It's because when you first cut into it, it’s more of a muddy brown. But, leave it exposed to the air, and it starts to magically morph into this rich, deep purple. It’s like watching a slow-motion colour explosion. You could call it the wood that bleeds purple!

From Rainforest to Workshop

This isn’t your bog-standard oak or pine; Purple Heart has travelled a bit. This beauty comes from the rainforests of Central and South America – a truly exotic wood. It grows pretty darn big too, which is great for us as we can use it for a whole range of cool designs. I always feel a bit like an explorer every time I get a new delivery in. It's incredible to think it’s lived such a life out there, and now it gets a new lease on life as part of a piece I’ve made.

Getting Down to Brass Tacks: Hardness and Workability

Okay, let's get a little technical for a sec. I know, I know, boring! But trust me, this is good stuff. Purple Heart is one seriously hard wood – we're talking somewhere around 1860 on the Janka hardness scale. That means it’s tough as old boots, which is great for things like inlays where you need something sturdy.

But here's the thing: while it's tough, it’s also surprisingly workable. I use it mainly for inlays in my signs, and it holds up beautifully to all of the milling and carving I throw at it. It's not as easy to work with as, say, pine, but it's certainly not a nightmare either. Just be prepared to keep your tools nice and sharp and go slow; you'll be fine.

Okay, now for the really good bit. You know how some woods make a dust that's just...meh? Well, Purple Heart's sawdust is a whole different ball game. It’s this beautiful, almost iridescent lavender colour! When I'm working on a piece, it honestly feels like I'm surrounded by a cloud of magical fairy dust. If you catch it in the right light, it's just unbelievably gorgeous. Don't breathe it in though, that stuff ain’t good for you! (Safety first, always!)

More than just Wood

For me, Purple Heart is more than just a material. It's a statement. It adds that wow factor to anything you build with it. It's also amazing that something so vibrant and unusual has grown from mother nature. If you’re after something a little different, a little bit special, then this wood is worth every penny.

So, next time you see a piece made with Purple Heart, remember it’s not just wood. It's a story. And hopefully, it'll inspire you as much as it inspires me. If you want to see more of my work and how I use it make sure to have a look at the website: www.eagleeyecnc.co.uk

Let me know what you think below. What are your favourite woods to work with? I’d love to hear your thoughts!