Purpleheart spindle blank 2" square x 12"

Purpleheart spindle turning blanks 2"  ♦ Beginner-friendly

Purpleheart is an exotic hardwood from Central and South America, prized for its remarkable natural purple colour, strength and durability. Freshly cut purpleheart is often a dull greyish brown, but exposure to air and light brings out its distinctive violet and deep purple tones. Over time, the wood can darken to a rich purplish brown.

Purpleheart is a dense, hard wood with a generally straight grain that can sometimes be interlocked or wavy. Its fine to medium texture and striking colour make it a popular choice for woodturning projects where the natural beauty of the wood is the main attraction. Sharp tools and light cuts are recommended, as its density can make it more challenging to turn than softer hardwoods.

What are the dimensions of this block?

This spindle blank measures approximately 2" square × 12" long (51 × 51 × 305 mm), providing plenty of material for a variety of turning projects. The wood is skip planed, meaning only the high points have been lightly planed, leaving a natural, textured surface that's ideal for turning. Each blank is selected at random and may vary in colour and grain from the image shown.

What kind of projects can I make with a 2" spindle blank?

Purpleheart is an excellent choice for bottle stoppers, pizza cutter and ice cream scoop handles, and some styles of salt and pepper mills. Its strength and distinctive colour also make it suitable for decorative handles and other spindle-turning projects.

How should I finish purpleheart to preserve its colour?

Purpleheart's vibrant purple colour develops through exposure to air and light, but prolonged exposure to UV light can eventually cause it to darken or turn brown. For best results, use sharp turning tools and take light cuts to minimize tear-out and heat buildup. Sand progressively through finer grits, avoiding excessive pressure. Heat generated during sanding can temporarily darken or discolour the wood. Allow the freshly turned and sanded wood to develop its purple colour before applying a finish. No finish will permanently preserve purpleheart's original colour, but limiting direct sunlight and using a UV-resistant finish can help maintain its purple tones longer.

Two fun facts about Purpleheart:

• • Purpleheart’s famous purple colour develops after cutting and increases with exposure to UV light — turning a dull brown into a rich, vibrant purple.
  • Purpleheart is incredibly dense and strong, which is why it’s sometimes used in flooring, furniture, and even archery bows.

Price per blank in Canadian dollars.