Snakewood Care

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 – Our Snakewood is not kiln-dried. Freshly cut wood is left to air-dry naturally, while some pieces come from naturally fallen trees and may have been seasoning for longer.

ℹ️ Important: These tips are general guidelines to help reduce the risk of cracking. Results may vary depending on the wood and working conditions.

🌡️ Acclimation & Storage

Snakewood is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Proper acclimation and storage can help reduce the risk of 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

Key Rule: Avoid Excessive Heat  

Snakewood is sensitive to heat and sudden temperature changes. Excessive heat can increase the risk of cracking during machining, finishing, and storage.

Drilling

  • Use a low drill speed to reduce heat buildup. 
  • Clear chips frequently, approximately every 1/4 inch (6 mm) of drilling 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 with bare hands
  • Use sharp tools only. Dull tools may create excess friction and 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.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Snakewood is a natural material, and cracking cannot be completely prevented. These recommendations are provided for guidance only. Results depend on the wood, tools, environment, and techniques used.

Questions about your specific project? Contact us →