Bubinga
Bubinga, scientifically known as Guibourtia spp., is a hardwood species found in Central and West Africa. It is renowned for its exceptional beauty, strength, and versatility, making it a popular choice among woodworkers.
Appearance and Characteristics
Bubinga wood boasts a stunning appearance with rich reddish-brown to deep burgundy colors, often accented by dark veining or grain patterns. The grain can be straight, interlocked, or wavy, adding to the wood's visual appeal. Bubinga is moderately heavy, typically weighing around 4.6 to 6.5 pounds per board foot (1045 to 1477 kilograms per cubic meter). This density gives it both a luxurious appearance and great durability.
Workability
Bubinga is a prized wood for its workability. It is relatively easy to machine, cut, shape, and sand, though it can have a moderate blunting effect on tools due to its density. The wood glues well and takes finishes beautifully, resulting in a polished, refined appearance.
Uses in Woodworking
Bubinga wood finds a variety of applications in woodworking, including:
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Fine Furniture: Bubinga is a favorite for crafting fine furniture, especially tables, cabinets, and veneered surfaces. Its rich color and striking grain patterns enhance the visual appeal of furniture pieces.
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Cabinetry: The wood is often used in high-end cabinetry for kitchens and bathrooms, where its durability and beauty shine.
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Musical Instruments: Bubinga is a preferred choice for musical instrument makers, particularly for exotic woodwind instruments and in the construction of drum shells.
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Veneer: Bubinga is sliced into veneer and used in paneling, inlays, and decorative applications, offering a touch of luxury to interior designs.
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Woodturning: Bubinga is a popular wood for woodturning. Its density and beautiful grain patterns make it a desirable choice for crafting bowls, platters, spindles, and other turned items. The wood's vibrant colors and figure create visually stunning turned pieces.
Durability
Bubinga wood exhibits exceptional durability:
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Indoor Use: Bubinga is well-suited for indoor applications, offering resistance to wear, moisture, and decay. Its luxurious appearance adds elegance to interior projects.
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Outdoor Use: While Bubinga is highly durable, it is not typically used for outdoor applications due to its susceptibility to weather and moisture. It is primarily chosen for indoor projects.
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Bug/Insect and Rot Resistance: Bubinga is naturally resistant to insects and decay, contributing to its longevity in interior applications.
VARIATIONS AND OPTIONS
All lumber now ships surfaced on 2 sides, and ripped on 1 edge at a minimum. Surfacing is done to a 1/16th over nominal (+- .030). Also the option for a rip to width is now available for a premium price. Ripping is done on an industrial straight line/gang rip machine. While the rip will be consistent end to end, the fence may not always end up in the same spot between orders. Rip widths will be within 1/8th of an inch of stated widths.
4/4 will be surfaced to 13/16ths. 5/4 will be surfaced to 1 and 1/16th. 6/4 6/4 will be surfaced to 1 and 5/16ths. 8/4 will be surfaced to 1 and 13/16ths. 10/4 will be surfaced to 2 and 5/16ths. 16/4 will be surfaced to 2 and 13/16ths.