Description:
Cocobolo is a visually beautiful wood. When newly cut, the heartwood displays a range colors including rich red, with orange and yellow streaks and zones. On exposure to the air it darkens to deep red or orange-red with markings of black and purple. It is very hard, dense and heavy, and has straight grain, which is sometimes interlocked and can be irregular and variable. It usually has a fine, uniform texture. The clearly defined sapwood is almost white.
Typical dry weight: 68 lb/ft³ (1100 kg/m³)
Specific gravity: 1.10
Properties:
It has a high mechanical strength in all categories, and is heavy, tough and strong. It works reasonably well with machine and hand tools, but cutting edges must be kept sharp. Cocobolo has a moderate blunting effect on cutting tools. The natural oils in the wood make it difficult to glue, but it can be nailed and screwed satisfactorily. Worked surfaces from planing, turning, moulding and mortising come out very smooth and clean. It takes stain and can be brought to an excellent finish.
Seasoning:
It dries very slowly, and should be air-dried prior to kilning. It has a strong tendency to split and check while drying. Since the oil content acts as a barrier to water absorption, the wood is very stable in service.
Durability:
Cocobolo heartwood is highly durable and very resistant to preservative treatment.
Typical Uses:
Furniture and cabinetmaking, fine turnery, cutlery handles, police truncheons, chess pieces, wooden jewelry, inlay work and highly decorative veneer.
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