Exotic woods for compound ornaments

[Fred Kile]

Last year my son gave me six exotic woods for my woodworking. This year I would like to make him an ornament from one of them, Purple Heart or African Padauk. These woods appear to be very dense and I am looking for recommendations on the best approach to cutting them; type of blade, brand of blade, best TPI and speed of travel. Any and all suggestions would be most appreciated.

Fred Kile

[scrollerpete]

When you use Padauk make sure you were a mask, also padauk leak if you glue it to another piece of wood. Also use tape around the wood so no burn from the blades, depending on the thickness, I wood recommend FD #3 or #5, Pegas Modified geometry are also very good blades. Hope this help

[Fred Kile]

1 hour ago, scrollerpete said:

When you use Padauk make sure you were a mask, also padauk leak if you glue it to another piece of wood. Also use tape around the wood so no burn from the blades, depending on the thickness, I wood recommend FD #3 or #5, Pegas Modified geometry are also very good blades. Hope this help

Thank you for the advice. Before I start cutting I'll need the appropriate blades. I sure appreciate your input!

[dgman]

For compound cutting, you need to use a skip tooth blade. I usually use a Flying Dutchman Polar #5. However, for dense woods like you mentioned, I would go with a #7 or 9. 

[tomsteve]

with purpleheart take your time. they both cut rather slowly especially the purpleheart.

might want to slow the saw speed down to avoid burning the purpleheart.

 

also, if youre not aware of it, they both  can change color over time. 

[John B]

Have never used these timbers, but from comments I gather they are quite hard. If this is the case, I would cover the pattern with clear packaging tape, it tends to prevent burning and makes the blades last a little longer and cut a little better.

 

[don in brooklin on]

When doing compound cutting with hardwoods I wrap my piece with packing tape as it sometimes eliminates the burning and makes cutting easier.

I agree with the Polar blade but recently when doing some real hard cherry I found the a Pegas #5 MGT cut well.  I usually don't like Pegas MGT but in this case I was surprised.

 

[Fedido]

I have cut some purplewood. Make sure you use painters tape on the bottom and cut slow. for 3/4, I think I used a #5 FD Ultra Reverse. Still liked to burn when making corners. Good luck. You will cuss that you will never use this type of wood again...until you see the finished product. 

[OCtoolguy]

Being set in my ways, I tend to use the Pegas #5 mgt for everything. I do adjust the saw speed and let the blade cut at it's own rate. Don't try to force the cut. I have not had a problem with padauk.

[Fred Kile]

Since I originally posted my question I have purchased variety sets of Flying Dutchman blades, Bothe spiral and flat. But, I also injured my right elbow three weeks ago and haven't benign the shop since then. I've got some nerve damage the needs to heal before I can function safely around power tools. I'll let you know when I begin cutting again. Thanks for all the suggestions on cutting these exotic woods. I'm looking forward to the experience.