Australian Buloke The Australian Bull Oak tests out as the most difficult to penetrate by at least one measure. Common trade names: buloke, bull-oak Genus: Allocasuarina luehmannii Janka Hardness (pounds-force): 5060 Description: Possibly there exist limitations to what a woodworker will endure. I’ve been unable to locate any information about the use of this lumber […]
Know Your Wood: Lignum Vitae
Lignum Vitae Try not go get whacked with this bad boy. It will win the mallet v. bone competition. Common trade names: Bera, guayacan, guaiacum, pockenholz (European), Genus: Guaiacum officinale Janka Hardness (pounds-force): 4500 Description: Deep olive-brown to brown, sometimes approaching black. Has a uniquely layered grain pattern when held under close inspection. There are […]
Know Your Wood: Massaranduba
Massaranduba Time on this rock is precious. We call it Massa. Common trade names: Massaranduba, Massa, Brazilian Redwood Genus: Malinkara bidentata Janka Hardness (pounds-force): 3190 Description: Massaranduba is a cost-effective, yet highly comparable alternative to slightly denser and more costly selections such as Ipe and Cumaru. Deep red hues accompany this delightful tropical hardwood, and […]
Know Your Wood: Garapa
Garapa Blonde and beautiful. The fun might last a while longer with the wood, though. Common trade names: Brazilian Ash, Amarealao, Marotoa, Muiratua, Grapia. Genus: Apuleia leiocarpa Janka Hardness (pounds-force): 1650 Description: The lumber is derived from the genus of flowering legumes family, Fabaceae. Generally golden to fair brown in color, and its perceived hue […]