Hardwood - Walnut
✓ Food Safe
Overview
Black walnut — a premium chocolate-brown hardwood. Machines excellently with clean results. Lower density than oak. The most popular wood for high-end CNC and woodworking projects.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Flexibility
rigid
Enclosure
no
Dry Storage
no
Pros
- Stunning natural color
- Machines cleanly with good chip load
- Less dulling than oak
- Excellent for food-safe items when properly finished
- High-value results
Cons
- Expensive
- Natural oils can affect some finishes
- Juglone — can cause allergic reaction in some people
Best For
- Luxury furniture
- cutting boards
- gun stocks
- premium gift items
- high-end signs
- turned and carved items
Avoid For
- Projects needing glue joints immediately after machining (oily surface needs IPA wipe first)
Storage
Acclimate to shop humidity.
Laser Compatibility
Dark dense hardwood with beautiful engrave contrast. CO2: engrave 300mm/s 45W, cut 3mm 100mm/s 80W. Diode: engrave 300mm/s 100%. Mask surface — walnut oils can leave residue around engrave.
Brands
Woodcraftlocal hardwood dealersOcooch Hardwoods