I've used purpleheart and lacewood both. Like any hardwood, the blade depends on the thickness of the wood and the intricacy of the pattern. Cdrover is correct about the purpleheart burning. It is similar to cherry that way. You also need to use care not to heat it too much when sanding or the wood will change color. Lacewood makes gorgeous free standing animal puzzles! The woods are expensive, but you don't use that much for most scrolling.