Brazilwood


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.