Add a burst of tropical color to your woodturning with Paela/Chakte Viga (Coulteria platyloba) bowl blanks. Also known as Aripin or Mexican Pernambuco, this extraordinary Central American hardwood is treasured for its stunning bright orange to golden‑brown heartwood that seems to shimmer with an almost iridescent quality under a proper finish. Despite its impressive density, Chakte Viga turns beautifully and polishes to a high, natural gloss that rivals far more expensive exotics. These blanks are dimensionally stable and ready for your finest turning projects — from striking art bowls and platters to jewelry boxes, pens, and decorative vessels that demand attention.
Specifications
- Wood Name: Chakte Viga, Paela, Aripin
- Botanical Name: Coulteria platyloba (Caesalpinia)
- Length: Available in 4 – 8 inches
- Width: Available in 4 – 8 inches
- Thickness: Available in 2 – 3 inches
- Dried: Yes, Kiln Dried
- Moisture Content: 6‑7%
Features
- Stunning bright orange to golden‑brown heartwood with remarkable iridescence
- Fine, even texture with good natural luster
- Kiln‑dried to 6‑7% MC for immediate use and long‑term stability
- Excellent acoustic properties — close relative of pernambuco used for violin bows
- Every blank exhibits unique grain patterns and color variations
- Despite its hardness, Chakte Viga turns exceptionally well and is valued by jewelers for inlays.
Workability & Performance
- Excellent turning properties: Despite high density (Janka 2,250 lbf), cuts cleanly with sharp tools
- Sharp tools recommended: Interlocked grain can tear out if tools are not sharp
- Polishes beautifully: Can be sanded to a very high luster and buffed to a glossy polish
- Finishing: Takes finishes exceptionally well; natural iridescence emerges with clear coats
- Color note: Bright orange deepens to richer golden‑brown with age and UV exposure
Notes
- Natural variations in grain and color make each piece unique.
- May cause eye or skin irritation in sensitive individuals — wear appropriate protection.
- Due to the nature of wood movement, shrinkage and expansion are possible.
- Please measure each piece carefully before starting any project.
- Dimensions are approximate and may vary by ±⅛".
- Photo is representative; you will receive a similar blank.