Cocobolo
Cocobolo wood, blocks and scales (matched sets).
Cocobolo wood, is one of the most prized Woods, for their exceptional colour and drawing.
(photos are purely indicative, in order to show as it is. Materials as wood vary your drawing or pattern, with each piece. Sizes are approximate.)
Common name (s): Cocobolo, Cocobola
Scientific name: Dalbergia retusa
Distribution: Central America
Tree size: 14-22 m height, trunk diameter 50-60 cm
Hardness (kg/m3): 1390
Color / appearance : composed of different shades of colors ranging from yellow, Orange, red and shades of brown with streaks of black or purple. The very pale yellow sapwood. The colors darken with age and use.
Grains / texture : grain is straight to interlaced, with a fine uniform texture. Good natural shine.
Resistance : very durable against rot, resistant to insect attack. Its natural oils give it a good resistance against degradation.
Machinability : due to the high content of oil and density tends to embozar tools. In addition excess of natural oils, can give problems in bonding. A vast sanding in the area of gluing is recommended.
Odor: has a soft aroma rose, but when work becomes a slightly spicy smell, that some found unpleasant.
Allergies / toxicity : notoriously allergic. You may cause irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, as well as nausea. The eyes of pink and asthma-like symptoms, are indicators of intoxication. Work with mask and sunglasses, is the main recommendation, if possible in a ventilated area.
Sustainability : regulated in CITES Appendix II, wood species and is on the IUCN Red list. Classified as vulnerable due to a reduction of the population of more than 20% in the last three generations, caused by a decrease in its natural distribution area and exploitation.
Common uses: fine furniture, musical instruments, lathe, and fine cutlery.