African Mahogany
Other names
Acajou d'Afrique
Scientific Name
Khaya ivorensis
Family
Meliacae
Description
African Mahogany's is pink when freshly cut, darkening to a reddish-brown, with pale goldern-brown zones, on exposure. The sapwood is yellowish-brown in color and is up to 2 in. (51mm) in width and it is not always distinctly demarcated from the heartwood. The grain is sometimes straight, but generally interlocked, giving a characteristic stripe figure in quarter sawn stock. The texture is medium to coarse, but even. It has no distinct taste or odor. The planed surface is lustrous. Growth rings fairly distinct to the naked eye due to the presence of terminal parenchyma.
Density
(H=12%) : 0,57
Treatability
not permeable. Sapwood moderately permeable to preservative treatments and heartwood extremely resistant.
Seasoning
It generally air dries and kiln dries easily with little degrade, but some warping may occur due to the presence of interlocked grain.
Stability
moderately stable
Durability
Durable; resistant to fungal and insect attack
Workability
The timber works fairly easily with both hand and machine tools. A reduction in the cutting angle to 15 degrees is advisable to avoid picking up in machine planing, especially when the timber has interlocked grain. Nails well, slightly resistant to screws. Glues well. Takes a high polish. Tearout can sometimes be a problem if the grain is interlocked.
End-Uses
- Cabinetwork (high class furniture)
- Current furniture or furniture components
- Sliced veneer
- Interior panelling
- Ship building (planking and deck)
- Embarcations légères
- Veneer for back or face of plywood
- Exterior joinery
- Interior joinery
- Exterior panelling
- Light carpentry
Notes : African Mahogany is considered to be a valid substitute for Sipo, Sapele and Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), otherwise known as Genuine Mahogany.
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