African
Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon)
African
Blackwood, also known as Mozambique ebony, Grenadilo, Mpingo
etc, occurs extensively in the Savannah areas of Africa from
Sudan southward to Mozambique, westward to Angola and Northward
to Nigeria and Senegal. The tree also grows in Western India.
The small tree is reported to often develop more than a single
stem. It usually grows to a height of 15-20 feet, but may occasionally
reach 50 feet. The bole is short, fluted and not often cylindrical
with diameters of rarely more than 12". It has a specific gravity
of 1.2 and a dry density of 78 lbs per cubic foot. The heartwood
has an almost black appearance. It is dark purple-brown in colour,
with black streaks. African Blackwood is dimensionally very stable
and finishes to a brilliantly polished fine lustrous surface.
It takes very fine detail and can be turned and carved to produce
beautiful objects.
Blackwood
pyramid in the size described 
These
are the pieces that I have been using for many years for the
turning of my boxes, and each block is large enough to make two
flat boxes or one tall one. It is also an ideal material for
making jewellery and any other small turned or carved items.
The dimensions are sufficient that the blocks can easily be fitted
onto a scroll chuck or similar. The finished pieces can be viewed
on the gallery pages on this site. prices These
pieces were originally destined to be used in the musical instrument
industry as clarinet bell ends, and the wood is of that quality,
generally with no sapwood, so they are completely black. They
were rejected as not being suitable for the purpose. I have never
found any defects of any importance in the hundreds I have used
over the years. They come coated in wax, and vary in moisture
content.
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Cocobolo
(Dalbergia retusa) Cocobolo
is another excellent wood for box making and other fine turnings,
as it is dimensionally stable and very beautiful. prices The
colour of the heartwood becomes deep red with purple or black
markings, and the grain is occasionally interlocking, though
usually straight. Due to its high natural oil content, it is
resistant to moisture penetration, which is one of the reasons
for its stability. This same oil in the wood imparts a fine
natural lustre to the smooth surface with very little effort. It
has a specific gravity of 1.1 when dry, and has a dry density
of 69 lbs per cubic foot. The
blanks that I have available are 125 x 85 x 85 mm, and are
air dried. I
have sold out of this lovely wood. I
will post new supplies when I get them.
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