Common Names:   Cocobolo Nicaraguan rosewood Granadillo Caviuna Jacarandaholz Palisander Palissandro Nambar Rosewood Pau preto Urauna Palo negro Funera Cocobolo prieto Palisandre Purchase Cocobolo

Mechanical Values

Environmental Profile
This species is reported to be relatively secure within its natural habitat in most areas in its range, including Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama, but it is officially classified as either in Extinct, Endangered, Rare, or Vulnerable Costa Rica. The actual status in Costa Rica is uncertain because of inadequate information(Source - World Conservation Monitoring Center - 1992 ). 

Distribution
Cocobolo is reported to be found in limited quantities in the Pacific regions of Central America, from Panama to southwestern Mexico. It usually grows in the drier uplands.

Product Sources
Some material from this species is reported to be available from environmentally responsible or sustainably managed sources. 

Supplies of Cocobolo are reported to be dwindling and the price is becoming more costly. Veneers with highly figured grain patterns are reported to be occasionally available on the market.

The following species in the database has been suggested as a substitute for Cocobolo for the production of knife handles:
Goncalo alves (Astronium fraxinofolium 
A. graveolens )

Tree Data
The size of the tree is reported to be small to medium. Mature tree heights are reported to be often 45 to 60 feet (13 to 18 m), with trunks that are usually of poor form reaching diameters of about 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm).

Sapwood Color
The freshly cut wood is reported to be variable in color.

Heartwood Color
The color of the heartwood varies when freshly-cut, and is described as a rainbow-hued. Exposure is reported to darken the lighter colors and merges them with the darker colors. The wood becomes deep red with irregular markings of purple or black and various colors of the rainbow. Boiling the wood in water is reported to remove some of the color.

Grain
The grain is usually straight, but it is occasionally interlocked.

Texture
The wood is usually fine textured. 

Odor
The wood has an odor, which has been described as slightly pungent and mildly fragrant becomes noticeable when the wood is being machined. There is no characteristic taste.

Ease of Drying
The wood is reported to dry out very slowly, and should be air-seasoned prior to kilning to prevent degrade.

Drying Defects
Casehardening, warping, and checking are reported to be common if the wood is kiln-dried from the green condition. Air-seasoning prior to kiln-drying is recommended.

Kiln Schedules
T1 - B1 US

Movement in Service
Cocobolo is reported to be very stable after seasoning because of its oil content, which acts as a barrier to water absorption.

T/R Ratio
1.59
This indicator is more meaningful if it is used together with other drying information and actual shrinkage data in the tangential and radial directions. (Refer to the Numerical Values window).

Natural Durability
Cocobolo is reported to be very durable and is highly resistant to marine borer attack. Prolonged or repeated immersion in soapy water is reported have very little adverse effect on the wood except to darken its color. Natural oils in the wood tend to promote waterproofing. They also impart a waxy appearance to the wood when it is rubbed with a cloth. 

Resistance to Impregnation
The wood is described as very resistant to impregnation. 

Oil Content
Cocobolo contains natural oils.

Toxic Constituents
Sawdust from this species has been associated with skin irritation similar to that caused by poison ivy in some individuals. 

Cutting Resistance
The timber is reported to saw readily with only a slight blunting effect on cutting edges.

Blunting Effect
Moderate blunting effect on tools. Cutting edges must be kept sharp.

Planing
The Timber is reported to respond very well to most tools in planing, boring, mortising, moulding, and other machining operations. Worked surfaces are reported to be very smooth and clean

Turning
The material is reported to turn readily to yield smooth snrfaces.

Gluing
The material is reported to be unsuitable for gluing because it contains natural oils.

Nailing
Nailing properties are reported to be satisfactory.

Screwing
The timber has satisfactory screwing properties.

Sanding
Sanding properties are rated as very good.

Polishing
Oil in the wood is reported to give it a fine natural polish. A smooth and waxy surface can be achieved by rubbing the wood with a cloth without using any finishes.

Response to Hand Tools
Cocobolo is reported to respond well to hand tools.

Comments
Cocobolo is reported to be one of the primary species for the manufacture of cutlery, especially for knife handles because of its attractive color, texture, and waterproof characteristics.