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| Common
Names: |
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Honduras
rosewood
Nogaed
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- Mechanical Values
| Category |
Green |
Dry |
Units |
| Weight |
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60 |
lbs/cu.ft. |
| Density (air-dry) |
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60 |
lbs/cu.ft. |
| Specific Gravity |
0.81 |
0.96 |
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| Hardness |
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| Stiffness |
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| Bending Strength |
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| Shearing Strength |
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| Max. Crushing
Strength |
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| Work to Maximum Load |
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| Radial Shrinkage
(G->OD) |
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| Tangential Shrink.
(G->OD) |
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| Volumetric Shrink
(G->OD) |
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Environmental
Profile
The environmental status of this species within its
natural habitat has not been officially assessed, but it
is generally believed to be very scarce.
Distribution
Honduras rosewood is reported to be restricted to the
southern part of Belize, between latitudes 16 and 17
degrees north. It is reported to grow in fairly large
areas alongside rivers, but may also be found on inter-riverian
and drier regions. Main habitat areas are given as
between the Sarstoon and Monkey Rivers.
Product Sources
Some material from this species are reported to be
available from environmentally responsible sources.
The natural growth range of Honduras rosewood is
restricted to a very small area which tends to limit its
supplies on the commercial market. Limited quantities of
Rosewood in the form of both veneer and lumber can,
however, be obtained at high prices from importers.
Tree Data
The height of the mature tree is reported to be 50 to
100 feet (15 to 30 m). Trunks are reported to be
typically fluted and short, and are usually forked at
about 25 to 30 feet (8 to 9 m) above the ground. Normal
trunk diameter is about 36 inches (91 cm) and below. The
papery bark is reported to be about 0.25 inch (0.62 cm)
thick.
Sapwood Color
The sapwood is pale in color when freshly cut , but
changes quickly to yellow upon exposure. The lighter
colored sapwood is sharply demarcated from the darker
heartwood.
Heartwood Color
The heartwood is described as pinkish brown or purplish
with darker and lighter bands. The combination of colors
and streaks gives the wood a very attractive appearance.
Grain
The grain is typically straight.
Texture
Texture is medium to fine.
Luster
The wood has low to medium luster.
Odor
When freshly cut, the bark and sapwood have a
characteristic odor similar to that of stored apples.
The odor is not discernible in seasoned material. The
wood has a slightly bitter taste.
Ease of Drying
Honduras rosewood is reported to air-season slowly, and
may be accompanied by some degrade. Drying periods of
two to seven years are reported to be required to season
the wood for certain specific applications. Shrinkage
values are reported to be unusually low, and are similar
to other American rosewoods.
Drying Defects
The wood is reported to be highly prone to checking.
Kiln Schedules
T3 - C2 (4/4); T3 - C1 (8/4) US
Schedule C (4/4) United Kingdom.
Movement in Service
The wood is reported to have good dimensional stability,
and retains its shape well after manufacture.
Natural Durability
The heartwood is reported to be highly durable, and
fairly resistant to attack by termites. The sapwood is
reported to deteriorate rapidly in contact with the
ground.
Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on cutting edges can be rather rapid and
severe.
Cutting Resistance
The material is reported to be moderately difficult to
saw.
Planing
Honduras rosewood is reported to be generally difficult
to plane especially when interlocked grain is present.
It tends to ride on cutters. A cutting angle of 20
degrees is recommended.
Turning
The wood has excellent turning qualities.
Boring
The material is reported to be moderately difficult to
work in boring and most woodworking operations because
of its hardness. It tends to ride over cutters and dull
cutting edges rather rapidly.
Strength Properties
Honduras rosewood is reported to be denser and tougher
than Brazilian rosewood. Its strength properties are
rated as less than outstanding, and it is usually used
in applications where qualities other than strength are
more desired.
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