Assumed, Wood Working Properties & Specifications

 

Dalbergia nigra

Brazilian Rosewood

Family: Leguminosae

Other Common Names: Palissandre du Bresil (French), Jacaranda de Brasil (Spanish), Cabiuna, Caviuna, Jacaranda (Brazil).

Distribution: Of scattered occurrence in the eastern forests of the State of Bahia and southward to Espirito Santo and Rio de Janeiro and inland to include Minas Gerais. Because of long-time exploitation, the tree has become very scarce in the more accessible regions.

The Tree: Sometimes attains a height of 125 ft, with short irregular bole, often buttressed, trunk diameters 3 to 4 ft. Old trees are generally hollow and also lose much of their volume when the undesired sapwood is hewed off. Old defective stems yield the most attractive wood.

The Wood:
General Characteristics: Heartwood is various shades of brown to chocolate or violet irregularly and conspicuously streaked with black; dark specimens with oily or waxy appearance and feel; sharply demarcated from the white sapwood. Grain generally straight; texture medium to rather coarse; luster medium; fragrant rose-like odor, taste distinctive.

Weight: Basic specific gravity (ovendry weight/green volume) ranges from 0.62 to 0.73; air-dry density 47 to 56 pcf.

Mechanical Properties: (2-in. standard)
Moisture content Bending strength Modulus of elasticity Maximum crushing strength
(%) (Psi) (1,000 psi) (Psi)
Green (75) 14,140 1,840 5,510
12% 18,970 1,880 9,600
Janka side hardness 2,440 lb for green material and 2,720 lb at 12% moisture content. Forest Products Laboratory toughness average for green and dry material is 151 in.-lb. (5/8-in. specimen). Above values for Brazilian Dalbergia with a basic specific gravity of 0.80.

Drying and Shrinkage: The timber needs to be dried slowly to prevent checking. Once seasoned it absorbs moisture slowly and is dimensionally stable in service. Kiln schedule T3-C2 is suggested for 4/4 stock and T3-C1 for 8/4. Shrinkage green to ovendry: radial 2.9%; tangential 4.6%; volumetric 8.5%.

Working Properties: This wood has excellent working properties and veneers well. Some specimens may be too oily to take a good polish.

Durability: Heartwood is very resistant to decay and insect attack.

Preservation: No data available (the uses of this species are such that a preservation treatment would not be desirable even if the wood would be receptive).

Uses: Decorative veneers, fine furniture and cabinets, parts of musical instruments brush backs, knife and other handles, fancy turnery, piano cases, marquetry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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