African Padauk Lumber

African Padauk
PHOTO
DESCRIPTION	African Padauk heartwood is vivid blood red, toning down to a dark purple-brown with red streaks upon exposure. Grain is straight to interlocked. Texture is similar to African mahogany, being slightly open grained. Weight varies from about 40lbs to 50lbs per cu. ft. Typical Width = 5" to 13" Typical Length = 6' to 16'
BOTANICAL NAME	Pterocarpus Soyauxii
OTHER NAMES	Camwood, Barwood, Corail
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES	Excellent strength characteristics, especially in bending and crushing strengths. Medium stiffness and resistance to shock loads.
WORKING PROPERTIES	Only slight blunting effect on cutters despite its heavy weight. Machines very easily. Nails, screws, and glues very well. Polishes easily to a excellent finish.
DURABILITY	Heartwood is very durable and moderately resistant to preservative treatment.
SEASONING	Dries rapidly and well with minimum degradation. Exceptionally small movement.
USES	Due to its high strength, durability and outstanding stability, this wood is ideal for high-class joinery, furniture and cabinetmaking. Also for fancy turning, carving, tool and knife handles, paddles and oars, and decorative veneers.
COMMENTS	High abrasion resistance make it an excellent heavy-duty flooring timber. Suitable for use with under-floor heating systems due to its excellent dimensional stability. Renowned as a dye wood.

Additional Photos
front view	angle shot
Above: Built in wall unit by Rob Pelc. 100% solid Paduak wainscoting, raised panels, & crown molding. This wood is a great alternative to cherry as there is no sapwood to worry about. It is also more durable then cherry. Gorilla glue works best as white glue can fail because of the oil content. This wood appears orange when freshly milled, then turns to a deep red color upon exposure to air & sun. Water base or Lacquer finishes will retain color the best. Polyurethane will not dry properly and will cause the wood to turn a brownish color.