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General Description: The wood is medium
red-brown with lighter red to purple veining. The grain is straight or
interlocked. In some logs the grain is very irregular and these are
converted by peeling into rotary cut veneers called kevasingo. The texture
is moderately coarse but even. The weight ranges from 800-960kg/ft3
(50-60lbs/ft3). Average 880kg/m3 (55lb/ft3): specific gravity .88.
Mechanical Properties: The timber has low steam bending qualities
and exudation of gum pockets is troublesome.
Working Properties: The timber works easily with both hand and
machine tools although gum pockets may cause difficulty. Interlocked and
irregular grained material tends to tear or pick up and a reduced cutting
angle of 15° is necessary for planing or moulding. There is a moderate to
severe blunting effect on cutting edges which must be kept sharp. Nailing
requires pre-boring, gluing may be difficult due to gum pockets but the
wood stains easily and can be brought to an excellent finish.
Durability: It is moderately durable but liable to common furniture
beetle attack. The sapwood is permeable and the heartwood is resistant to
preservative treatment.
Uses: Suitable for superior furniture making and high class
joinery, cabinet making and flooring. It is an excellent turnery wood and
used for knife handles, brush backs and fancy goods. The chief use is for
sliced decorative veneers for cabinets and panelling particularly the
rotary cut kevasingo with a wild swirling veined figure. |
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