Rare wood?

[MVPCues]

I don't know anything about hardness tests are the number meanings between one wood and another other than the higher the number, the harder the wood. I do know, however, that Purple heart really varies in hardness, weight and color from board to board. I've generally found that the heavier it is then the deeper shade of purple can be obtained in the finished cue.

Dick

Thanks Dick. I had not considered a relationship between how heavy it was and the color, but when I think about some I have and the color depth and perceived weight, without actually taking measurements, I think I might be able to second your observation. I will have to calculate some densities by color now...

The janka numbers are on a linear scale, so if one wood is 800 and another is 1600, the 2nd is twice as hard as the first. Many times numbers are reported as a percentage harder than red oak. Obviously the reported numbers are average numbers. I think a realistic range is probably +- 150 (barring defects or really unusual pieces).
Kelly

 

[Ken_4fun]

Can you post a pic?

I had a Brunswick model #20 house cue (built in 1910) converted to a playing cue that I thought was bubinga but it turned out to be the most beautiful dark curly purpleheart. The cue hits great, with a flat face 3/8 x 10 steel pin and sleeved ivory joint, linen wrap.

Secondly, Ron Hailey suggested I speak with you. Can I get an email address?

Thanks
Ken