Purpleheart uses...deadwood?...floors?

[Billy Bones]

I've just made a happy (re)discovery in the back of my shop. I had completely forgotten that I have had a pile of purpleheart 12/4x12x8 timbers.

As it happens, the design I am contemplating building next calls for a bit of deadwood, and several floors in way of the (fin)keel. The wood for these is not specified on the plan but I have read good things about purpleheart used in such ways.

Are these in fact a good places to use purpleheart? Any other places it is useful?

[Wild Wassa]

Billy Hi, I've used Purple Heart. I can remember how I drove a splinter through the muscle below my thumb. Splinters weren't invented until we started useing Purple Heart. I've seen references on the site of Forumites using Zebrano and Wenge as well. Splinter woods. The grain is pithy, I haven't used it on a boat. It is smelly and hard when machining. Burns easily on a router. Great for doors. I found it to be very stable. I used it with about, a 12% moisture content. If you have a batch, check the colour when flooring.

Billy if you know this please ignore.

Warren.

[ 07-14-2002, 08:51 AM: Message edited by: Wild Wassa ]

[wolfietuk]

I am notg sure about using it on a boat, but I have on floors. Aside from the workability the color can get a bit garish if you use too much. Though it makes for great accents.

Rick

[Frank Wentzel]

Billy

Mystic Seaport used purpleheart for the backbone of Amistad. I can't think of a higher recommendation.

/// Frank ///

[ken mcclure]

Great stuff. It's hard and heavy. It machines well, but the tools need to be sharp or the wood will (as noted above) burn on you. It's also very pretty!

[B_B]

I've used it as a mast-step and for decorative trim (seats in a Kayak also) - harder than hades to work - the tools need to be sharp and sharpened often. Did not have much splintering problem but did split very easily when cut in thin slats (1 1/2" * 1/2" and 3" * 1") even when pre-drilled - pretty much had to oversize the holes - have no idea whats holding the screws! Also did not have much luck with glue - epoxy not too bad, I hope!

[TR]

I had a 20' standing lug cat-ketch built this past winter. I used purpleheart for rails, knees, mast partners, centerboard case cap, and the tiller. We found the standard West 105/206 epoxy was useless but Industrial Formultors G-2 seems to be holding well. Added mechanical fastenings seemed a good idea.

All the best, Tad

[Billy Bones]

Well, if Amistad's keel is made of purpleheart she won't need much additional ballast!

Sounds like it will be ok for my intended uses. I've tried to glue it before (west) and had marginal to good result. I wonder if CPES is the answer. They say it helps bond the unbondable tropical woods. Worth a try.

TR, your boat sounds lovely! You wouldn't happen to have any photos you'd like to share, would you?

Thanks all!