Snakewood Care & Working Guide

How to work with, finish, and maintain one of the world's most unique exotic hardwoods

📦 What You Receive From SnakeWoodSupply

Every blank from SnakeWoodSupply is:

  • Fully waxed – We seal all surfaces with wax to prevent moisture exchange and humidity-related movement during storage and shipping
  • Rough planed – Ready for your final sanding and finishing
  • Individually photographed – You receive the exact piece shown
  • Naturally air-dried – No kiln stress, but still requires proper handling

ℹ️ Important: The wax coating is for protection during transit. You will need to remove it with a solvent wipe before applying your finish.

🌡️ Acclimation & Storage

Snakewood is sensitive to environmental changes. Proper acclimation prevents cracking.

Upon Arrival

Allow 48-72 hours in your workshop before working. Let the wood adjust to your local temperature and humidity.

Pro tip: Some woodworkers recommend 1 full month of acclimation for snakewood, especially if shipped from a different climate.

Optimal Storage

Store in consistent humidity of 40-50% at room temperature. Keep away from:

  • Direct heat sources (radiators, vents, sunlight)
  • Rapid temperature changes
  • Unconditioned spaces (garages, attics, cars)

⚠️ Warning from experienced woodworkers:

"Don't expose snakewood to extreme temps in your car for too long — when you bring it inside, you're likely to have an unwelcome response by the following morning." [citation:1]

⚙️ Working With Snakewood

The #1 rule:Heat is the enemy.Snakewood cracks when it gets hot during machining.

Drilling

  • Use slow speed, clear chips frequently (every 1/4" of depth)
  • Let drill bit cool naturally — do not quench in water
  • Drill holes slightly larger than your pins (e.g., 4mm pins → 4.1mm holes)
  • This prevents stress that causes cracking around pin holes [citation:1]

Sanding & Shaping

  • Keep temperature down — sand in short passes
  • Wood should never be too hot to hold in bare hands
  • Use sharp tools only; dull tools create friction heat
  • Work through grits to 1000+ for best results [citation:1]

🎙️ Expert tip:

Some knife makers drill pin holes slightly oversized and use thin CA glue to stabilize the surrounding wood before final assembly. This creates a stress buffer. [citation:1]

🎨 Finishing Snakewood (Most Important)

⚠️ CRITICAL RULE:

Apply finish immediately after final sanding. Do not leave snakewood unsealed and exposed to air. Unsealed snakewood will check and crack rapidly. [citation:1]

Why Snakewood Is Different

  • Extremely dense and naturally oily [citation:1]
  • Natural oils can prevent finishes from curing properly
  • Snakewood "never stops working" — even logs stored for 20+ years can move [citation:1]
  • Estimated survival rate without cracking is less than 50% if improperly handled [citation:1]

Step-by-Step Finishing Process

  1. Sand - Sand to 1000-1500 grit. Use firm backing behind paper.
  2. Wipe - Wipe with acetone or denatured alcohol to remove surface oils and wax.
  3. Seal - Apply dewaxed shellac (Zinsser SealCoat) as a barrier coat. This prevents oil bleed-through.
  4. Finish - Apply your chosen topcoat (see options below).
  5. Buff - Light buff with paste wax for final sheen.

Carnauba + Beeswax + Tung Oil Blend

An excellent natural finish for snakewood. The wax creates a protective layer, while tung oil penetrates and enhances the figure.

Recipe: 8 parts beeswax, 8 parts turpentine (or orange solvent), 1 part carnauba wax — melted together. Apply, let dry 30-45 minutes, buff. [citation:4]

Polymerized Tung Oil

Apply multiple thin coats, allowing 24 hours between initial coats. Follow with wax buff. True tung oil creates depth and durability. [citation:8]

CA Glue (Cyanoacrylate)

Very popular among pen turners. Drip thin CA glue onto the surface and quickly rub with a cloth. Can be sanded and polished to a high gloss. Also effective for sealing hairline cracks. [citation:3]

Paste Wax Only (Simple Method)

Sand to 1000+ grit, buff lightly, finish with paste wax. Works well for knife handles and items that won't see harsh conditions. [citation:1]

"Seal as you go" method:

Some experienced turners apply thin CA glue after each sanding grit. This seals the wood progressively and prevents micro-cracks from forming during the process.

🔧 Preventing & Repairing Cracks

Prevention Checklist

  • ✅ Acclimate wood for 48-72 hours minimum before working
  • ✅ Keep tools razor-sharp — dull tools create heat
  • ✅ Drill oversized pin holes to reduce stress [citation:1]
  • ✅ Apply finish immediately after final sanding
  • ✅ Store finished pieces in stable humidity (40-50%)
  • ✅ Consider professional stabilization for critical applications

If Cracks Appear

Thin CA Glue + Wood Dust

Fill hairline cracks immediately. Sand flush after curing. This is the most common repair method among knifemakers. [citation:1]

5-Minute Epoxy + Dye

Mix epoxy with dark cherry or brown aniline dye. Apply to crack, sand after curing. Works well for larger gaps.

"Seal as you go" method:

Some experienced turners apply thin CA glue after each sanding grit. This seals the wood progressively and prevents micro-cracks from forming during the process.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

📋 Quick Reference Card

✔️ DO:

  • Acclimate 48-72 hours
  • Use sharp tools
  • Finish immediately
  • Store at 40-50% RH

❌ DON'T:

  • Expose to heat
  • Leave unsealed
  • Use dull tools
  • Store in garage/car

✅ BEST FINISH:

  • Dewaxed shellac barrier
  • Tung or CA glue topcoat
  • Carnauba/beeswax blend

Questions about your specific project? Contact us →