The Fascinating Smoothness of Tigerwood

Woodworking is full of surprises, and sometimes, the most unexpected discoveries come from simply handling different types of wood. Today, I want to share something fascinating about Tigerwood, a species that stands out in a way you might not expect.

Comparing Three Beautiful Wood Species

I have three different wood species in front of me:

• Tigerwood
• American Dark Walnut
• Purpleheart

Each of these woods is known for its rich grain patterns and stunning aesthetics. For this experiment, I milled and planed two samples of each species so their surfaces are completely flat and smooth.

How Different Woods Interact

When I rub two pieces of Purpleheart or American Walnut together, they slide against each other, but not very smoothly. There's still noticeable friction, which prevents them from gliding effortlessly. This is expected since even well-sanded wood retains some natural texture.

However, Tigerwood behaves completely differently. Unlike the other two species, Tigerwood’s surface is incredibly silky smooth—so much so that the two pieces glide effortlessly across each other with almost no resistance. This unique characteristic isn’t just limited to these samples; it seems to be an inherent trait of Tigerwood itself.

Why is Tigerwood So Smooth?

While most woods have a level of natural grain texture that contributes to friction, Tigerwood’s fine, oily texture gives it an almost polished feel, even when freshly milled. This unique smoothness makes it a joy to work with and an interesting material choice for projects where a sleek, glossy finish is desired.

Final Thoughts

This little experiment is a perfect example of how woodworking is not just about cutting and shaping—it's about discovering the unique properties of each wood species. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just someone who appreciates the natural beauty of wood, Tigerwood is definitely worth experiencing in person.