Bubinga

The heartwood is a medium red-brown, with lighter red to purple veining. The sapwood is usually greysh-white, ivory, or streaked ivory-white, and sometimes brownish-white. Typically, the grain is straight or interlocked and there are distinct annual rings. Fine pores, which may contain a reddish gum, can be found throughout. The texture is fairly coarse but even, and can be highly lustrous.

Typical dry weight::

55lb/ft3 (880kg/m3)Specific gravity:

Properties:

There can be problems with gum exudation, and steam-bending qualities are poor. It works well with both hand and machine tools, though irregular grain may pick up during planing or moulding, so a low cutting angle should be used. It has a moderate to severe blunting effect, because it contains silica. Nailing and screwing require pre-boring, and gum pockets may make gluing difficult. It takes stain easily, and can be sanded and polished to an excellent finish.

Seasoning:

It seasons well with little degrade, but gum can cause problems. Slow seasoning is advised to prevent distortion and checking. It is stable in service.

Durability:

Bubinga is moderately resistant to marine borers and vulnerable to the common furniture beetle. The heartwood is resistant to preservative treatment, the sapwood moderately so.

Typical Uses:

Its main use is for sliced decorative veneers for panelling and cabinets, especially in the rotary-cut form known as kevasingo. It is also prized for turnery. Other uses include boatbuilding, furniture, flooring, decorative items, brush backs and knife handles.

Guibourtia demeusei and related species (Leguminosae)

Also called:

African rosewood, akume, essingang, buvenga, ovang, waka, okweni; veneers are marked as kevasingo

Grows:

Central and west central tropical Africa

Weight per Board Foot:

4.5 lbs

Typical Height:

80ft (21m) max.

Trunk Diameter:

4ft (1.2m)