Snakewood
Wood description
Snakewood is so called for its characteristic snakeskin patterns. Wood is typically a reddish brown, with contrasting darker brown or black patches. Color tends to darken and homogenize with age and exposure. The grain is straight, with a fine even texture and Snakwood has a high natural luster.
Name : Snakewood (letterhout)
Scientific name : Piratinere guianensis
Family : Anacardiacease
Origin : Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela
Other names : Letterhout, Slangenhout, Amourette
Natural Durability : Class 1 with good to very good resistance to termites
Density (12%) : 1250 kg/m³
Bending strength (12%) : 210 N/mm²
Shrinkage (%) : rad. 4,7%, tang. 6,0%
Drying : slow; easy to moderately difficult
Working : rather difficult; pre-boring necessary
Finishing : good
Uses : Inlay, veneer, violin bows, tool handles, and other small turned or specialty objects.