Cocobolo
Scientific name:
Dalbergia retusa
Other names:
Funera (El Salvador)
Palo negro (Honduras)
Nambar (Nicaragua, Costa Rica)
Cocobolo prieto (Panama).
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Cocobolo heartwood varies in color from rich red to an attractive variegated appearance of yellow, orange, and red streaks and zones, which mature upon exposure to a mellow orange red. The grain is irregular and varied, but has a fine uniform texture. It is a hard timber.
Weight:
About 61-75 lbs per cu. ft, typical Width = 4″ to 7″, typical Length = 3′ to 5′.
Use:
Turning, cutlery handles, tool handles, truncheons, fancy goods, decorative items, inlay work, brush backs, musical and scientific instruments, jewelry boxes, chessmen, and other specialty items.
General characteristic:
This exotic and imported hardwood displays a range of colors including rich red, with orange and yellow streaks and zones. It is very hard, dense and heavy and has straight grain, which is sometimes interlocked and can be irregular and variable. It usually has a fine, uniform texture. Cocobolo is a visually beautiful wood.
Working properties:
Cocobolo works reasonably well with machine and hand tools, but cutting edges must be kept sharp. The natural oils in the wood make it difficult to glue, but it can be nailed and screwed satisfactorily. It takes stain and can be brought to an excellent finish.
Drying and shrinkage:
Reported to have excellent drying properties, free of surface and end checking. A kiln schedule similar to T1-B1 has been suggested. Shrinkage is usually low; high stability in use. Very low moisture absorption.
Durability:
Very durable and resistant to preservative treatment, has very high resistance to marine borer attack.
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