Name |
Brazilwood (Caesalpinia echinata) |
Type |
Hardwood. |
Other Names |
Also known as Bahia wood, Braziletto, para wood, pernambuco wood, and Brazilian ironwood. |
Sources |
Grows in eastern Brazil. |
Appearance |
Straight to irregular grain with fine, even texture and a natural luster. Nearly white sapwood and bright orange heartwood that matures to a deep red. |
Physical Props |
Very hard and heavy with exceptional shock resistance, stiffness, bending strength, and compression strength. Not suitable for steam bending. Highly resistant to decay and very stable in service. |
Working Props |
Sometimes difficult to work due to hardness – blunting effect on cutting edges. Pre-drilling required for nailing and screwing. Glues easily and can be brought to a very smooth, lustrous finish. |
Uses |
One of the finest woods for violin bows. Also prized for turnery, gun butts and rifle stocks, parquet flooring, exterior joinery, and decorative veneers. |