Reply by Sheila Landry (scrollgirl)

I am thinking that you are correct and that it is Jatoba. It looks like it and sure sounds like it. I had some once and it was a bear to work with. I was cutting 1/8” thick pieces on the scroll saw and it was eating blades like there was no tomorrow. Before I read your description I was thinking that if it was hard and heavy and dense it would be Jatoba. The grain is similar to what I have had of it.

I may be wrong, but I would put my money there. :)

Sheila

-- Contributing Editor, Creative Woodworks and Crafts, Sheila Landry Designs http://www.sheilalandrydesigns.com "Knowledge is Power"