African Pearwood

[sbwertz]

One of my turners at the blind center wanted to make a back scratcher and the only blank I had that was long enough and large enough in diameter was a piece of African Pearwood, 1.5" square and about a foot long. I was calling it African Granite-wood before the class was over...he managed to get it round and started turning it down in an hour...spent more time resharpening the chisel than turning....discovered today it is the tenth hardest wood in the world! He may finish it in time to make a Christmas gift of it.

 

[CHARLES STOPCZYNSKI]

One of my turners at the blind center wanted to make a back scratcher and the only blank I had that was long enough and large enough in diameter was a piece of African Pearwood, 1.5" square and about a foot long. I was calling it African Granite-wood before the class was over...he managed to get it round and started turning it down in an hour...spent more time resharpening the chisel than turning....discovered today it is the tenth hardest wood in the world! He may finish it in time to make a Christmas gift of it.

If memory serves, African Wild Pear also has a very distinct (unpleasant) odor as well.

 

[sbwertz]

No, didn't notice any odor from this....but it seems it is notorious for dulling tools. Very high silica content, as well as being hard as rocks.

 

[Fine Engineer]

I think Locust has a similar reputation for dulling tools. When used for firewood, it has been referred to as wooden coal.

 

[jjjaworski]

I have a few 8/4 curly boards of it and it can be difficult to work.
Also known as moabi.