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I was given some, by I think, Jim, but so far haven't turned it. I have seen quite a few pens from panga panga though so I assume it is okay for pens. I am sure you will find some samples if you search the IAP
Peter
Pierre
Fellow
Yes there was some in a selection of 50 hardwoods that I bought from Penn State a couple of years ago, I looked it up then and decided that since it had the same properties as Wenge that it was necessary to wear a mask and don't get splinters in your hands wenge causes them to inflame. Makes a nice pen though and polishes up nicely .
Have a look here Panga Panga | The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwood)
PG
Have a look here Panga Panga | The Wood Database - Lumber Identification (Hardwood)
PG
Pierre
Fellow
As I recall the lower of the 2 is panga panga 
lignaterrae
Full Member
It is indeed very closely related to Wenge but is found is East Africa and Wenge comes from the West of the continent. Its working characteristics are very similar to Wenge. If anything it is slightly better for pens as the structure of the grain is on a slightly smaller scale.
Never turned Panga-Panga. If it is similar to Wenge and, although I am no expert in turning I have to say Wenge is horrible to turn but the results after exercising much patients are amazing. Sharp chisels are a must and as mentioned the splinters and dust are a nuisance. It does sand and polish very well making a beautiful pen.
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
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- Mark
Well I learnt some thing today, always thought a panga was a machete.
Penpal
Grand Master
Not the least like it mate except they are both hard to cut and turn,give a beaut finish. Wenge needs a bit of fire in it to excell IMHO. The Panga Pierre has made gives promise to everyone of its possibilities.
Peter.
Well I learnt some thing today, always thought a panga was a machete.
Just goes to show Mark you can teach the old ones something new
And there was you thinking that a Panga panga was a double edged machete:wink:
Cheers Peter
Penpal
Grand Master
A mate here in the A.C.T. lucked onto some tonnes of Wenge and made endless handrails for our outstanding Parliament house. Several furniture items as well. I do not know if you remember but he allowed me first bite pre making available his offcuts to members of our Wood Guild. I had the pick of the pick and found it was a great test of character, the grain is fine and colour can be otherworldly with reds firing through.
Had a lot of different palm tree timber they are all made up of roots which Palm trees consist of. Until the advent of the tungsten tips I happily stayed away from palms now I hop in without fear.
Canberras Parliament House was built on a cost plus basis fuelled by a lottery system over some years the wood working is a testament to fine furniture anywhere. My mate whose 10.000 dollar boxes I have shown before works there now and I have been priviliged to see most of the best there.
Kind reqards Peter.
Pierre
Fellow
Without wishing to hijack Derek's post, you can see Wenge polishes up nicely this was for a gent's watch and cuff link box I made on commission for a chap in the USA. The Panga Panga should polish up just as well.
wm460
Grand Master
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2013
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- First Name
- Mark
Just goes to show Mark you can teach the old ones something new
And there was you thinking that a Panga panga was a double edged machete:wink:
Oops I guess you will work out what soet of books I read as a kid.
Penpal
Grand Master
For examples help everyone.
Peter.
Peter.