Bolivian Rosewood
Bolivian Rosewood, scientifically known as Machaerium scleroxylon, is an exotic hardwood native to South America, primarily found in Bolivia and Brazil. It is also referred to as Morado, Pau Ferro, or Santos Rosewood, valued for its rich color and durability.
Appearance and Characteristics
Bolivian Rosewood is prized for its deep reddish-brown to dark purple heartwood, often with darker black or brown streaks that create a dramatic, elegant appearance. The sapwood is pale yellow and clearly demarcated from the heartwood. It features a straight to interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture and a high natural luster. Bolivian Rosewood is dense and heavy, typically weighing around 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilograms) per board foot.
Workability
Bolivian Rosewood is moderately challenging to work due to its density but is highly valued for its beauty and strength. It can be cut, shaped, and sanded with sharp tools, though interlocked grain may cause tearout during planing. The wood glues and finishes exceptionally well, with its rich colors deepening under a clear finish. Care should be taken due to its hardness, which may dull tools over time.
Uses in Woodworking
Bolivian Rosewood is commonly employed in various woodworking applications, including:
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Furniture: Bolivian Rosewood is used for high-end furniture such as tables, chairs, and desks, where its rich color and grain create a luxurious aesthetic.
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Cabinetry: Its durability and striking appearance make it a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry.
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Veneers: The wood is sliced into thin veneers for decorative panels, inlays, and marquetry, showcasing its elegant grain patterns.
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Musical Instruments: Its tonal qualities make it a preferred choice for guitar fingerboards, backs, sides, and other instrument components.
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Turned Objects: Bolivian Rosewood is turned on a lathe to create items like pens, bowls, and knife handles, highlighting its deep coloration.
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Flooring: The wood’s durability makes it suitable for high-end flooring, capable of withstanding heavy use.
Durability
Bolivian Rosewood is known for its exceptional durability and specific properties:
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Indoor Use: Bolivian Rosewood excels in indoor applications such as furniture, cabinetry, and flooring, where its rich color and durability enhance aesthetic and functional value.
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Outdoor Use: With proper sealing, Bolivian Rosewood is suitable for protected outdoor applications like decking and exterior trim, thanks to its resistance to moisture.
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Bug/Insect and Rot Resistance: The heartwood is highly resistant to decay and insect attack, including termites, though sapwood may be susceptible to beetles. Proper finishing enhances its longevity.
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 there is an option for an s4s product at a premium price. S4S widths will be within 1/16th 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 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.