steaming makore?

[jochem]

Helo there,
I am building a boat and am now at the stage where I need to get some timber for planking. I am able to get some Makore for a reasonable price but am unsure about its bendind/steaming properties. Anybody out there worked with it?

Many Thanks
Jochem (boatbuilding student)

[mic]

Hi Jochem, Makore is a large hardwood prevelant in west Africa, the heartwood is pink to a deep blood red or redish brown, somtimes even with a slight purple tinge, Sapwood is usually alot paler. The texture is fine to medium and even, but the grain is variable, sometimes giving a mottled figure to the radial surface. The ADD (air dryed density) is about 650kg/m3 which puts it into the softer hardwood range, it is slow to dry but with little degrade. Shrinkage is about 2.5% radial and 3% tangential (which is not very much) and because of the presence of silica cutters and saws need frequent resharpening, :mad: also pre-drilling is generally required when nailing near ends. This timber glues well, but is not very suitable for steam bending. Wet timber in contact with iron will develop a blackish stain and the sanding dust from this timber is very irritating for the nose and throat. The heartwood is durable for external use and very resistant to impregnation with preservatives, the sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack and mechanical properties are s5 and sd6, this timber is generally used for decorative veneer and furniture. smile.gif