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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Certified Source
Comments
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
Light-Induced Color Change
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
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
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Pterocarpus soyauxii

Trade Name
African padauk

Family Name
Leguminosae

Synonyms
Pterocarpus delevoyi, Pterocarpus osun, Pterocarpus tinctorius


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Common Names
Africaans padoek, African coral wood, African padauk, Afrik padouk, Afrikanisches korallenholz, Afrikanisches padoik, Akume, Arapka, Ba, Barrwood, Barwood, Bo, Bois corail, Bois de rose, Bois rouge, Bois ulu, Boko, Boku, Bosulu, Bou, Camwood, Corail, Ebeu, Epein, Epion, Escio, Ezigo, Gula, Kisese, Kisesi, Koula, M'bio, Mbe, Mbel, Mbeu, Mbie, Mbil, Mbili, Mohingue, Mongola, Muenge, Mukula, Mututi, N'gola, N'gula, N'kula, Ndimbo, Ngula, Nve, Osun, Ozigo, Padouk, Padouk d'Afrique, Palorojo, Red santal, Redwood, Santal rouge, Tacula, Takula, Tizeze, Uhie, Uhile, Ukpa, Vermillion, Wele, Yomo

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Nigeria, Zaire

Common Uses
Agricultural implements, Bedroom suites, Boat building (general), Boat building: decking, Bobbins, Boxes and crates, Bridge construction, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chemical derivatives, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decks, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Dyewood , Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Handles, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Light construction, Living-room suites, Marine construction, Mine timbers, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Musical instruments: strings, Oars, Office furniture, Paddles, Parquet flooring, Picker sticks, Plywood, Posts, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Railroad ties, Rustic furniture, Shade rollers, Shafts/Handles, Shuttles, Specialty items, Spindles, Sporting Goods, Tool handles, Turnery, Vats, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wheel spokes, Wheels

Environmental Profile
Abundant/Secure
Vulnerable in parts of its natural habitat
Status unknown in parts of its range
Generally widespread, secure, and abundant within most of its range
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center


Distribution Overview
The genus Pterocarpus occurs throughout the tropical regions of the world. P. soyauxii is found in Central and tropical West Africa, extending from south-western Nigeria to Zaire. It often grows in small groups and is common in dense equatorial rain forests.

Heartwood Color
Red
Pink
Brown
White
Green/grey
Yellow
Orange
Grey
Red
Pale red to pink
Dark brown
Dark brown
Yellow to golden-yellow to orange
Small color variation
Reddish orange
Purple
Brown
Becomes bright red, coral pink with dark streaks, purplish-brown, or black with age


Sapwood Color
Red
Brown
Yellow
White
Pink
White to yellow
Well defined
Whitish
Same as heartwood
Pinkish
Paler than heartwood
Matures to yellowish brown with age


Grain
Straight
Interlocked
Figure
Distinct (figure)
Closed
Even
Wavy
Stripe (figure)

Straight
Interlocked
Distinct figure
Wavy
Striped figure
Straight to slightly interlocked


Texture
Coarse
Medium
Even or uniform
Uniform
Coarse
Fine to medium
Medium
Medium to coarse
Fine


Luster
Medium
Low
Lustrous
Pronounced


Natural Durability
Susceptible to insect attack
Perishable
Non-resistant to powder post beetles
Non-resistant to termites
Non-durable
Non-resistant to marine borers
Very durable
Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Durable
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Very good weathering properties
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Resistant to attack from marine borers
May last over 25 years in contact with ground
Heartwood is very resistant to decay and termite attack
Heartwood is very durable


Odor
Has an odor
Green wood is faintly aromatic


Light-Induced Color Change
Darker


Toxicity
Some toxic effects
Respiratory effects
Unspecified toxicity
Dermatitic effects


Kiln Schedules
UK=J US=T10D5S/T8D4S Fr=4
T8 - D4S (8/4) US
T10 - D5s (4/4) US
Schedule J - United Kingdom
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow
Drying (speed) is fast
Dry at a slow speed
Dry at a moderate speed


Drying Defects
Splitting
Internal Honeycombing Possible
Collapse
Distortion
No twisting or warping
Moderate surface checking
Moderate end spitting
Little or no degrade


Ease of Drying
Moderately Difficult to Difficult
Fairly Easy
Rapidly
Thick Stock Requires Care
Slowly
Easy
Prolonged conditioning period and regular moisture content checks control variable drying rates
Dries well with little degrade

Logs may be held for long periods without splitting or checking

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


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


Tree Size
Tree height is 30-40 m
Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm
Bole length is 20-30 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Tree height is 20-30 m
Tree height is 40-50 m
Bark width is 20-25 mm
Bark width is 10-15 mm
Bark width is 25-30 mm
Bark width is 15-20 mm
Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that this species is frequent source of timber which is exported in low quantities and only occasionally.

African padauk is available in both lumber and veneer forms on the market in North America, but prices are typically in the high range.

Availability in long lengths, wide boards, and in veneer form is rather limited on the European market, but prices are comparable to that of the lower cost hardwoods.

Certified Source
Certified Source


Comments
Crystal deposits are usually present

General finishing qualities are rated as good

Blunting Effect
Little
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is severe
Blunting effect on sawing green wood is moderate
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is severe
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is fairly severe


Boring
Fair to good results
Fairly easy to very easy
Good boring qualities
Easy


Carving
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good results


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Cutting Resistance with green wood is easy
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Saw well with slow feed rate
Carbide tipped tools are recommended


Gluing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Easy to glue
Glues very well


Mortising
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Good mortising properties
Easy to mortise


Moulding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Good finishing results
Easy to mould


Movement in Service
Excellent Stability - Small Movement
Fair to Good Stability - Medium Movement
Small
Very stable after kiln drying
Stable
Negligible movement


Nailing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Easy to nail
Tends to split during nailing
Possible if prebored
Holds satisfactorily
Holds nails well


Planing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Easy to plane
Planes well, to a good finish
Torn grain common in quartersawn material
Difficult to plane


Resistance to Impregnation
Permeable heartwood
Permeable sapwood
Heartwood is moderately resistant
Sapwood is moderately resistant
Heartwood is permeable


Response to Hand Tools
Easy to Work
Responds Readily
Variable qualities
Easy to machine


Routing & Recessing
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Routing is easy


Sanding
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Good sanding finish
Fairly good sanding characteristics


Screwing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Stock in smaller dimensions may split
Screwing yields good results
Possible if prebored
Holds screws well


Turning
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Generally good
Easy to turn


Veneering Qualities
Suitable for peeling
Veneers easily
Suitable for slicing
Veneers moderately easy
No drying degrade
Suitable for slicing
Easy to cut
Bolt preparation requires steaming


Painting
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results


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


Staining
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Wood has a tendency to bleed, water-based finishes recommended
Stains well


Varnishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy


Strength Properties
Density (dry weight) = 46-52 lbs/cu. ft.
Max. crushing strength = high
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft.
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = small
Hardness (side grain) = hard
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Shrinkage, Tangential = small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = very hard
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Density (dry weight) = 23-30 lbs/cu. ft.
Bending strength (MOR) = very high
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = moderate
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Resists denting and marring
Max. crushing strength = medium
Heavy
Density = high


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength1320617976psi
Density47lbs/ft3
Hardness2219lbs
Maximum Crushing Strength66708794psi
Shearing Strength1560psi
Stiffness160817921000 psi
Specific Gravity0.60.68
Weight4537lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage3%
Tangential Shrinkage5%
Volumetric Shrinkage8%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength9281263kg/cm2
Density753kg/m3
Hardness1006kg
Maximum Crushing Strength468618kg/cm2
Shearing Strength109kg/cm2
Stiffness1131251000 kg/cm2
Specific Gravity0.60.68
Weight721592kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage3%
Tangential Shrinkage5%

References
Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48

Banks, C.H.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal]

Bertin, A., Meniaud, J.,1949,Timbers of the Cameroons,Compagnie Francais du Cameroon,(Transl. by F.Jane)

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

Boone, R.S., C.J. Kozlik, P.J. Bois and E.M. Wengert. 1988. Dry Kiln Schedules for Commercial Woods: Temperate and Tropical. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, General Technical Report FPL-GTR-57, Madison, Wisconsin.

British Woodworking Federation. 1995. Which Wood . Published by the British Woodworking Federation, Broadway House, Tothill Street, London.

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

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

Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department

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

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1969,The Movement of Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough Technical Note,No.38

Fouarge, J., Gerard, G.,1964,Bois du Mayumbe,I.N.E.A.C. Belguim

Fouarge, J.,1950,Appropriation de Bois Congolais aux Besoins de la Metropole,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.38

Fouarge, J.,1953,Bois du Congo,I.N.E.A.C.

Fougerousse, M., Deschamps, P.,1968,Essais de Resistance de quelques Bois Tropicaux aux Xylophages Marins dans,la,Port de la Pallice,C.T.F.T. Note Technique,No.7

France - C.T.F.T.,1960,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au CTFT sur le,Padouk,C.T.F.T. Infor. Tec.,No.114

France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12

France - C.T.F.T.,1977,Promotion of African Timbers - New Species,CTFT,35 Leaflets

Gutierrez Oliva, A., Plaza Pulgar, F.,1967,Caracteristicas fisico-mecanicas de las maderas Espanolas. (Physical and,mechanical properties of Spanish timbers.,Min.Agric./Dir.Gen Montes/Instituto Forestral de Investigaciones,y,Experiencias, Madrid pp102

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

HMSO. 1972. Handbook of Hardwoods. 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Hughes, J.F.,1971,The Principal Timber Trees of Cameroon,Unpublished data

ITTO. 1986. Tropical Timber Atlas, Volume 1 - Africa. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, 45bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, Nogent-sur-Marne Cedex, France.

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.

Jay, B.A.,1968,Timbers of West Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Kaiser, J. Wood of the Month: Padauk - A Red Wood by Another Name. Wood & Wood Products, July, 1990. Page 68.

Keay, R.W.J. 1989. Trees of Nigeria. Revised Version of Nigerian Trees. Clarendon Press, Oxford.

Kline, M. 1982. Pterocarpus soyauxii - African padauk. In A Guide to Useful Woods of the World. Flynn Jr., J.H., Editor. King Philip Publishing Co., Portland, Maine. 1994. Page 299.

Kloot, N.H., Bolza, E.,1961,Properties of Timbers Imported into Australia,C.S.I.R.O. Forest Products Division Technological Paper,No.12

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

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

Meniaud, J., Bretonnet, F.,1926,Les Bois Coloniaux d'Afrique dans l'Industrie,Publ. de l'Agence Gen. des Colonies

NWFA. 1994. Wood Species Used in Wood Flooring. Technical Publication No. A200. National Wood Flooring Association, Manchester, MO.

Organisation for European Economic Co-operation,1951,African Tropical Timber (Nomenclature, Description,OEEC

Pieters, A.,1977,Essences Forestieres du Zaire,R.U.G. Gent Belguim

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.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T

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

Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1959,Survey of Africa Woods 4,Tropical Woods 17(110) pp42-115

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

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









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