Wenge

Scientific name:
Millettia laurentii

Other names:
Awoung
Dikela
Mibotu
Bokonge
Tshikalakala
Nson-so
Palissandre du congo

Wenge is a special wood. Some might even say it is rich in mystic powers. For hundreds of years it has been used in its native Africa to make ceremonial masks and statues paying homage to gods. Wenge and the closely related species panga-panga are indigenous to Africa. In fact, they so closely resemble one another that in some areas, the wood is sold interchangeably. Wenge grows in swampy areas in Zaire, Cameroon, and Gaboon. Panga-panga, on the other hand, grows in the open forests of Mozambique and Tanzania. Both trees are modest in height – averaging about 60 feet with 2-foot diameters, although the trees can grow as tall as 90 feet with 3- to 4-foot diameters.

Weight:
Green/ dry: 72/57 lbs/cu.ft.

Use:
interior and exterior joinery plus general construction work; turnery, sculpting and paneling.

General characteristic:
The heartwood is dark brown, mostly black, with fine, closely spaced, very dark veins and white lines. The combination of white bands against the dark wood with black streaks gives Wenge a very attractive appearance. Color variation between boards is reported to be moderate. The grain is fairly straight to slightly roey. The appearance of the wood has been described as expressive.

Working properties:
The porous nature of the wood is reported to make Wenge a rather difficult wood to slice. It requires smooth cutting, and quality material is reported to be rather difficult to obtain. Wenge is reported to be too heavy to be used for plywood manufacture. fairly easy to work with machine tools, rather difficult to glue because of the presence of resin cells. The timber is described as tough and strong, and requires pre-boring in nailing, but holding characteristics are reported to be good. Sanding characteristics are reported to be satisfactory.

Drying and shrinkage:
The wood is fairly difficult to dry. It seasons slowly, and a fair amount of care is required in order to avoid or reduce drying defects. The material has a high tendency to check during drying. There is also a slight chance of distortion. Kiln Schedules:T6 – D2 (4/4); T3 – D1 (8/4) US.

Durability:
The heartwood is reported to be durable and is resistant to termites. It is also reported to be highly resistant to preservative treatment but the sapwood is treatable.

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