This Lignum Vitae Wood is known as one of the hardest and heaviest woods. Lignum Vitae has heartwood that is dark greenish-brown to almost black and sharply demarcated from the pale yellow or cream-colored sapwood. Texture is very fine; grain is strongly interlocked; a slight scent is evident when warmed or rubbed. It has a characteristic oily feel due to the resin content that may be as high as one-fourth of the air-dry weight. Owing to the self-lubricating properties of the wood, it is used for ship’s propeller bushings and bearings, marine equipment, wheels and rollers. Somewhat difficult to work with hand or machine tools, the wood turns and shapes well and takes a high polish. Because of oily resins, it requires special surface treatments for satisfactory gluing. Native to Central America. About Us: Founded in Boston in 1928, Woodcrafts operations were moved to Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1989. Its been over 90 years since Woodcraft first began selling high quality woodworking tools and supplies out of a one room shop in Bostons North End, and Woodcraft is still firmly committed to providing woodworkers with superior products and expert advice. We are America’s leading supplier of saws, planes, power tools, hand tools, wood stain and paint, routers, sanding, wood, kits, dust collection and more. Our award winning family of brands includes WoodRiver, Highpoint, Woodcraft and Woodcraft Magazine as well as the greatest selection of woodworking books, videos, and plans