Bubinga

Trade Names

Bubinga, Kevazingo

Similar Woods

Mutenye, Libenge, Etimoe

Origin

Africa

Range

West Africa, from East Nigeria through Gabon to Zaire, drier regions in the lower tropical rain forests. Trees up to 45 m tall with conspi- cuously high roots. Differentiation is made between plain striped and pommele Bubinga wood, latter of which is considered the most valuable at present.

Uses

Higher quality architectural woodwork and mass-produced furniture, paneling and parquet flooring. Well-suited also for musical instruments.

Properties

Brown to violet-red heartwood with conspicuous growth zones. Resin pockets can occur; these degrade both the veneer and lumber. To achieve the required grain Bubinga is either true quarter cut (rather plain) or rotary cut eccentrically (colorful).

Machining

Despite its great hardness this wood is relatively easy to work. However, carbide-tipped tools should be used.

Seasoning

The wood should be carefully and slowly dried to avoid splitting. When moist, the wood gets a blue stain when coming into contact with metal.

Finishing

The wood is suitable for any type of varnish or polish treatment.

Jointing

No special considerations are necessary and glue joints can be easily produced. It is essential to pre-drill screw joints because of the hard- ness of this wood.

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BUBINGA