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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Common Names
Common Uses
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Drying Rate
Kiln Schedules
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Natural Growth Defects
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Strength Properties
Substitutes
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Chloroxylon swietenia

Trade Name
Ceylon satinwood

Family Name
Rutaceae

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Wood Image 1

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Common Names
Behra, Behru, Bella, Bharhul, Bhera, Bhiraa, Bhirwa, Bihiri, Bilgu, Billu, Burus, Buruta, Burutu, Ceylon satinwood, East Indian satinwood, Flowered satinwood, Ghiriya, Halda, Huragalli, Huragatu, Mahogany, Mashwal, Mududad, Mutirai, Purush, Sali, Satinwood, Sengel, Vari-maram

Regions of Distribution
Oceania and S.E. Asia

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Axles, Bedroom suites, Boat building (general), Bobbins, Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Broom handles, Brush backs & handles, Cabinetmaking, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decks, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Handles: general, Handles: woodworking tools, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Inlay work, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Marine construction, Matches, Mathematical instruments, Moldings, Office furniture, Ornamental work , Paneling, Picker sticks, Piling, Poles, Posts, Pulp/Paper products, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shade rollers, Shuttles, Specialty items, Spindles, Spools, Sporting Goods, Stencil & chisel blocks, Stools, Sucker rods, Tables , Tables, Textile equipment, Tool handles, Turnery, Umbrella handles , Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer: decorative, Wheel spokes, Wheels

Environmental Profile
Vulnerable in parts of its natural habitat
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center


Distribution Overview
Central and southern India, Sir Lanka, and Ceylon. The species occurs in dry mixed evergreen or deciduous forest.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Yellow
Red
Purple
Orange
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
White to cream
Pale brown
Darkens with age
Contains dark streaks


Sapwood Color
Red
Brown
Yellow
Same as heartwood
White to yellow
Clearly differentiated from the heartwood


Grain
Figure
Distinct (figure)
Interlocked
Mottled (figure)
Even
Closed
Rippled (figure)
Wavy
Straight
Ribbon (figure)
Growth rings (figure)
Roey (figure)
Stripe (figure)

Interlocked
Distinct and very fine figure
Distinct figure
Mottled figure
Rippled figure
Wavy
Striped figure
Straight
Roey figure
Ribbon figure
Narrowly interlocked and variegated
Clear growth rings (figure)

The grain produces several attractive patterns including mottle, roey and ribbon, broken stripe, and 'bees wing' or cross mottled figure.

Texture
Medium
Fine
Coarse
Fine
Uniform


Luster
High
Medium
Pronounced
Lustrous
High


Natural Growth Defects
Yellowish deposits in vessels
Gum veins may be found


Natural Durability
Durable
Non-resistant to termites
Susceptible to insect attack
Perishable
Non-durable
Very durable
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Non durable
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Moderately durable
Heartwood susceptible to marine borer attack
Heartwood has very high natural resistnace to decay and other wood destroying organisms
Heartwood has little resistance to termites in India
Durable


Odor
Has an odor
Slight pleasant fragrance when cut
No distinctive taste


Toxicity
Dermatitic effects
Unspecified toxicity
Respiratory effects


Kiln Schedules
UK=C US=T3C2/T3C1 Fr=3
T3 - C2 (4/4) US
T3 - C1 (8/4) US
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow
Dry at a slow speed


Drying Defects
Distortion
Collapse
Internal Honeycombing Possible
Slight twist/warp
Moderate surface checking
Moderate twist/warp


Ease of Drying
Fairly Easy
Reconditioning Treatement
Requires slow to moderate drying schedule.
Kiln dries well
Air-dries rather well


Kiln Drying Rate
Very slow (>28 days for boards < 32 mm, to >84 days for boards >= 63 mm)


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is straight
Bole/stem form is cylindrical


Tree Size
Tree height is 30-40 m
Tree height is 10-20 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm
Tree height is 50-60 m
Tree height is 40-50 m


Product Sources
The timber has wide applications as veneer for inlays and decorative purposes, but it is only available in limited quantities in lumber form. Price is in the expensive range.

Substitutes
Teak, Mandioquera (Qualea paraensis ) and Tatajuba (Bagassa guianensis )

Blunting Effect
Little
Blunting effect on machining is severe
Medium effect


Boring
Fair to good results
Fairly easy to very easy
Very difficult
Requires a strong hold to prevent chattering


Carving
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fairly difficult to carve


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Difficult to saw
Cutting Resistance with green wood is difficult


Gluing
Easy to glue
Difficult to glue


Mortising
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Finishes poorly


Moulding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Requires a firm hold to prevent chattering
Poor moulding results


Movement in Service
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Stable
Small
Medium


Nailing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Pre-boring recommended
Holds nails well
Easy to nail


Planing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Difficult to plane
Torn grain common in quartersawn material


Resistance to Impregnation
Resistant heartwood
Resistant sapwood
Heartwood is highly resistant
Highly resistant


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Responds Readily
Difficult to machine
Easy to machine


Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Secure hold recommended
Routing is difficult


Sanding
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Very difficult to sand


Screwing
Pre-boring recommended
Good screw holding properties


Turning
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to turn
Good results
Very easy to turn


Veneering Qualities
Veneers easily
Veneers moderately easy
Suitable for peeling


Painting
Fair to Good Results


Polishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Good results


Staining
Finish is generally satisfactory
Finish is generally good


Varnishing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Strength Properties
Density (dry weight) = 61-67 lbs/cu. ft.
Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft.
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Bending strength (MOR) = low
Max. crushing strength = medium
Max. crushing strength = high
Hardness (side grain) = hard
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low
Toughness (total work) = low
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = very hard
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Very heavy
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = very low
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very high
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high
Density = very high
Compression strength (parallel to grain) = very high
Bending strength (MOR) = very high
Bending strength (MOR) = medium


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1043514804psi
Density62lbs/ft3
Hardness2641lbs
Impact Strength3833inches
Maximum Crushing Strength60199184psi
Shearing Strength2586psi
Stiffness157618791000 psi
Work to Maximum Load1011inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.730.88
Weight5957lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage5%
Tangential Shrinkage7%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength7331040kg/cm2
Density993kg/m3
Hardness1197kg
Impact Strength9683cm
Maximum Crushing Strength423645kg/cm2
Shearing Strength181kg/cm2
Stiffness1101321000 kg/cm2
Work to Maximum Load0.700.77cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.730.88
Weight945913kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage5%

References
Anon,1963,Indian Woods: Their Identification, Properties and uses. Vol.II Linaceae,to Moringaceae,Manager of Publications, Delhi, India

Arkwright, P.,1961,Know Your Timber - East Indian Satinwood,Woodworking Industry,39(81,1

Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers - the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research

Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia

Brandis, D.,1906,Indian Trees,Constable & Co.Ltd.

Broun, A.F.,(1899,Satinwood,Indian Forester,25(5,pp181-5

Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World, No. 3 Southern Asia,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Chowdhury, K.A., Ghosh, S.S.,1958,Indian Woods: Their identification, properties and uses Vol. I,Dilleruaceae to Elaeocarpaceae,Manager of Publications, Delhi, India

Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison.

Clifford, N.,1953,Commercial Hardwoods - Their Characteristics Identification and,Utilization,Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London

Cox, H.A.,1939,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough

Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO

Fernando, X.M.,1959,Notes on Ceylon Timbers,Ceylon Forester,4(2,pp227-31

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1938,The Properties of Cramtree. Guinea excelsa H.B.K. from British Honduras,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Project 22,Investigation 25 pp12

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1952,General Tests carried out on 3 Timber Species - Brachystegia - boehmii,,isoberlinia, spiciformis,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Department of Scientific and,Industrial Research

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1955,Kiln-Drying Schedules,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Leaflet,No.42

Gamble, J.S.,1902,A Manual of Indian Timbers,Sampson Low, Marston & Co. London

Harrar, E.S.,1942,Some Physical Properties of Modern Cabinet Woods 3. Directional and Volume,Shrinkage,Tropical Woods,9(71, pp26-32

Howard, A.L.,1948,A Manual of Timbers of the World.,Macmillan & Co. Ltd. London 3rd ed.

Jackson, A. and D. Day. 1991. Good Wood Handbook - The Woodworker's Guide to Identifying, Selecting and Using the Right Wood. Betterway Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Kaiser, J. Wood of the Month: Satinwood - As Smooth as its Name Suggests. In Wood and Wood Products, July, 1991. Page 48.

Kline, M. 1977. Chloroxylon swietenia - Ceylon satinwood. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine, 1994. Page 115-116.

Koelmeyer, K.O.,1954,Silvicultural Notes on Trees - Satin,Ceylon Forester(ns,1(3,pp59-67

Kribs, D.A.,1950,Commercial and Foreign Woods on the American Market (a manual to their,structure, identification, uses and distribution,U.S.A. Penn. State College, Tropical Woods Laboratory

Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125

Lewis, F.,1934,The Vegetable Products of Ceylon,Assoc. Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.

Limaye, V.D. 1954. Grouping of Indian Timbers and their Properties, Uses and Suitability. Indian Forest Records, New Series. Timber Mechanics, Vol. 1, No. 2, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India.

Limaye, V.D. and B.R. Sen. 1953. Weights and Specific Gravities of Indian Woods. Indian Forest Records, New Series. Timber Mechanics, Vol. 1, No. 4, Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, India.

Limaye, V.D.,1933,The Physical and Mechanical Properties of woods grown in India (Third,Interim Report on Project 1,Indian Forest Records,18(10,pp1-70

Limaye, V.D.,1957,Grouping of Indian Timbers and Their Properties, Uses and Suitability.,Indian Forest Records (N.S. Timber Mechanics Vol.1 No.2)

Lincoln, W. A. 1986. World Woods in Color. Linden Publishing Co. Inc., Fresno, California.

Martawijaya, A., Kadir, K., Kartasujana, I.,1986,Indonesian Wood Atlas. Vol.1.,Department of Forestry Agency for Forestry Research and Development.,Bogar-Indonesia

Nazma,1981,A handbook of Kerala Timbers,Kerala Forest Research Institute Research Report, No.9

Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press

Pearson, R.S., Brown, H.P.,1932,Commercial Timbers of India,Govt. Printer Calcutta,2 vols

Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London

Reyes, L.J.,1938,Philippine Woods,Commonwealth of the Philippines Department of Agriculture and Commerce,Technical Bulletin,No.7

Sallenave, P.,1964,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Premier Supplement,C.T.F.T. Publ.,no.23

Sekhar, A.C.,1955,The Physical and Mechanical Properties of Woods,Indian Forest Records (ns Timber Mechanics,1(3,pp69-72

Stevens, W C,1961,Kiln Operators Handbook,HMSO

Takahashi, A.,1978,Compilation of Data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part,III) Africa,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No. 7

Tewari, M.C., Jain, J.C.,1980,Utilization of Secondary Species,Journal of the National Building Organization 25(2) pp1-6

Timber Development Association Ltd.,1955,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Timber Development Association Ltd.

Timber Development Association,1948,Some New Timbers and Their Uses No. 34,Timber Development Association Limited, London [TRADA]

Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13









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