Choosing the Right Wood
What is the right wood choice?
Woodworkers, craftsmen, CNC operators, and laser engravers often ask the same question: What material should I use next?
The answer is nearly limitless and depends heavily on the project, tooling, budget, and desired finish. Rather than providing a definitive answer, this article offers a broader perspective based on feedback gathered from approximately 50 woodworkers and CNC operators regarding the materials they most enjoy working with.
The following list highlights commonly used woods and materials, along with insights into why they are favored. Woods are listed in no particular order, with their Janka hardness ratings included in parentheses for reference.
Because this information was collected through a poll, I do not have firsthand experience with every wood listed. Any additional comments are based on my personal experience using the material in either traditional woodworking or CNC machining.
Hard Maple (1450)
Hard Maple is often considered one of the best all-around hardwoods for traditional woodworking. It is dense, durable, and has a consistent, predictable grain pattern.
For CNC applications, however, it can sometimes be less forgiving with rotary cutting tools. While it remains one of my most frequently used woods due to its availability and affordability, it does require careful machining. Using a downcut end mill, for example, often demands precise depth-per-pass settings to avoid fuzzy tear-out. In many cases, the imperfections can be sanded out, but not always.
Pros:
- Clean and consistent appearance
- Very hard and durable
- Stable with minimal moisture variation
Cons:
- Prone to tear-out during CNC cutting if feeds and depths are not dialed in correctly
Bamboo (1380)
Bamboo remains a popular alternative material due to its sustainability and unique appearance. Its layered construction can machine well when properly secured and surfaced.
Padauk (1970)
Padauk is known for its striking reddish-orange color and dense structure. It machines cleanly but requires sharp tooling due to its hardness.
Alder (590)
Alder is softer than many hardwoods, making it easier to machine and shape. It is often selected for painted projects and decorative carvings.
Cherry (950)
Cherry machines exceptionally well on a CNC. Its smooth, evenly distributed grain structure allows for clean cuts and fine detail work, making it particularly enjoyable to work with. It also performs very well for joinery applications such as dovetails.
One downside is that Cherry can be somewhat sensitive to humidity and moisture changes, which may occasionally result in warping.
Pros:
- Smooth cutting characteristics
- Dense without being excessively hard
- Rich natural color
Cons:
- Can be prone to movement and warping
- Deep coloration may become overwhelming on very large projects
Walnut (1010)
Walnut is a favorite among many woodworkers, and for good reason. It is dense, stable, and generally resistant to warping. Much of the rough-sawn Walnut available commercially is also relatively free of knots and defects, making it highly suitable for CNC machining.
For many CNC operators, Walnut offers one of the best balances between machinability, appearance, and durability.
Pros:
- Extremely consistent material
- Excellent stability
- Beautiful natural grain and color
Cons:
- Higher material cost compared to domestic hardwoods
Sapele (1410)
Sapele is widely available through many lumber suppliers and is admired for its rich tone and ribbon-like grain pattern. While it machines well, its hardness places it near the upper limit of what many CNC setups comfortably handle.
Although harder woods can certainly be machined, increased hardness often affects cut quality and tool wear.
Pros:
- Beautiful grain and coloration
- Durable and dense
Cons:
- Hard on tooling
- Relatively expensive for large-scale projects
Olivewood
Olivewood is one species I have not yet personally worked with but would like to explore. It is known for its distinctive olive coloration and dramatic grain variation.
Tulipwood (2500)
Tulipwood is one of the most aromatic woods commonly discussed among woodworkers. At a Janka hardness rating of 2,500, it becomes significantly more challenging for CNC machining, particularly during aggressive rip cuts or detailed toolpaths.
That said, the visual appeal and fragrance make it memorable to work with.
Pros:
- Exceptional aroma
- Stunning grain and coloration
Cons:
- Extremely hard material
- Difficult machining characteristics, especially during rip cuts
Bacote (2110)
Bacote is valued for its dramatic grain patterns and rich contrast. Its density requires slower feeds and sharp tooling to maintain clean cuts.
Mahogany (850)
Mahogany remains a classic woodworking material thanks to its stability, workability, and attractive finish qualities.
Zebrawood (1830)
Zebrawood is visually striking due to its contrasting striped grain pattern. While beautiful, the interlocking grain can occasionally present machining challenges.
Purpleheart (2520)
Purpleheart is one of the most unique woods available due to its vibrant purple coloration. Despite its extreme hardness, it machines surprisingly well and offers excellent grain definition.
However, Purpleheart does oxidize over time, often darkening significantly. Additionally, its bold color may not appeal to every customer or fit every project style.
Pros:
- Unique and vibrant coloration
- Tight grain structure
- Durable and hard
Cons:
- Very hard on tooling
- Color oxidation over time
Additional Considerations When Choosing Wood
Virtually any wood can be machined successfully with the right tooling and settings. The key is selecting a material that balances durability, machinability, cost, and structural integrity.
In general, ideal CNC woods should:
- Hold detail well
- Resist brittleness in thin features
- Avoid excessive tool wear
- Remain reasonably stable over time
The Janka hardness scale can be a helpful reference point when evaluating materials. Higher numbers indicate harder woods, with some species exceeding 5,000 on the scale.
Many woodworkers also find Janka hardness reference charts useful enough to keep displayed in the shop for quick comparison.
Finally, it is important to remember that some woods:
- Produce incredible aromas during machining, enhancing the workshop experience
- Can trigger allergic reactions or respiratory irritation from dust exposure
Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are always recommended.
When a work lifts your spirits and inspires bold and noble thoughts in you, do not look for any other standard to judge by: the work is good, the product of a master craftsman.
— Jean de la Bruyere —