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The Wonderful World of Wood:

Cocobolo:

  • "Dalbergia retusa"

Other Names:

  • Granadillo (Mexico).

Sources:

  • West coast of Central America.

Tree Characteristics:

  • A tree of moderate to largesize, some 100ft or more in height, producing a fluted trunk about 3ft 3in in diameter.

Characteristics of the wood:

  • Hard and heavy, it is a naturally durable wood with irregular grain and medium fine uniform texture.
  • The heartwood has an attractive variegated colour, from purple red to yellow, with black markings.
  • The colour turns to deep orange red on exposure.

Workability:

  • Although hard, it works readily with hand and machine tools provided they are kept sharp.
  • The wood is slightly oily and machines to a fine smooth surface.
  • It is difficult to glue.

Average dried weight:

  • 68lb/cuft.

Finishing:

  • It can be stained and polished to a fine finish.

Common uses:

  • Turnery.
  • Cutlery handles.
  • Brush backs.
  • Decorative veneer.

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