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General Description: The heartwood matures from
pink-brown when fresh cut to deep red-brown. The grain is interlocked to
rather irregular, producing a wide irregular striped figure on quartered
surfaces. Weight varies from 550-750kg/m3 (34-47lb/ft3), but averages
660kg/m3 (4lb/ft3); specific gravity .6. Texture, uniformly moderate.
Mechanical Properties: This heavy density wood has only medium
bending strength and a high crushing strength with low stiffness and
resistance to shock loads. It has a very poor steam bending classification
as it buckles severely.
Working Properties: Utile works well with hand or machine tools
with only a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges; a reduced cutting
angle will prevent tearing the interlocked grain on quartered material.
Nailing is satisfactory, it glues and stains well and when filled can be
brought to a good finish.
Durability: The wood is durable; the sapwood liable to attack from
powder post beetle and the heartwood is moderately resistant to termites
in West Africa. It is extremely resistant to preservative treatment and
resistant to decay.
Uses: Furniture and cabinet making, counter tops, high-class
exterior and interior joinery, flooring, boat building and planking,
musical instruments, sports goods and general construction work. Selected
material used for plywood manufacture and sliced for decorative veneers. |
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