Hank, you give it a try again and I doubt you'll have any problems with it, although Skye is spot on about the ends, and he's right, it is unique. It's been a while and I had forgotten about the "straws", which are unusually large and they are tough. I didn't have my disc sander when I did the last one, and may try sanding the ends flush next time. I haven't made all that many of them to be honest, but have made a dozen and sold 'em all and don't remember cursing as much as with Snakewood!
Also, I tend to buy wood and set it aside, and live in a semi-arid climate, so my palm is DRY! I wonder if you guys are turning palm with a bit of moisture in it. I suppose that could change everything. I haven't done anything unique, just haven't had problems with it.
Another thing I was going to mention is the surface is going to be a little grainy no matter what you do, again, because of the "straws". I wasn't doing CA then, but would think 4-5 coats of thin followed by 4-5 coats of straight thick would smooth that out.
Hey, D, try it, it can't be tougher than some other woods to get a finished product!
Dale