World of Wood

The Wonderful World of Wood:

Lignum Vitae:

• "Guaiacum officinale"

Other Names:

• Guayacan {Spain}.
• Bois de gaiac {France}.
• Guayacan negro, pala santo {Cuba}.
• Ironwood {U.S.A}.

Sources:

• West Indies.
• Tropical America.

Tree Characteristics:

• A small slowing growing tree, reaching not more than 30ft in height and producing a trunk about 1ft 8in in diameter.
• The wood is sold in small billets.

Characteristics of the wood:

• A very hard and heavy wood.
• It has a fine, uniform texture and closely interlocked grain .
• The heartwood is dark greenish brown to black and is in sharp contrast to the narrow cream coloured sapwood.
• It is a resinous wood, with an oily feel .
• It is naturally very durable and known for its hardness and self lubricating properties.

Workability:

• It is very difficult to saw and plane with hand and machine tools.
• It is an excellent wood for turning and can be brought to a fine finish.
• It does not glue well unless treated with an oil solvent.

Average dried weight:

• 78lb/cuft.

Finishing:

• It burnishes to a fine natural finish.

Common uses:

• Bearings.
• Pulleys.
• Mallets.
• Turnery.