MAPLE, BRAZILIAN

Pau marfim, Guatambu
Balfourodendron riedelianum

Shown with water-based finish (top), and oil-based finish (bottom)

APPEARANCE

COLOR: Pale cream to yellow cream; no contrast between sapwood and heartwood.
GRAIN: Straight, fine, uniform.
VARIATIONS WITHIN SPECIES AND GRADES: Lower grades may have darker tan/brown colors.

PROPERTIES

HARDNESS (JANKA): 1500 (16% harder than Northern red oak).
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: Average (8.8; 2% less stable than Northern red oak). Very sensitive to moisture fluctuations.

WORKABILITY

SAWING/MACHINING: Works cleanly; requires a wide set for ripping; very hard on router bits.
NAILING: No known problems.
SANDING: Sands satisfactorily if correct sanding sequence is followed.

Suggested Sequence
First Cut: 50 at a 7-15 degree angle with the grain
Second Cut: 60 or 80 straight with the grain
Third Cut: 100
Hard Plate: 100
First Screen: 100
Second Screen: 120 or 150

FINISHING: Takes finish well. May be difficult to stain.

ORIGIN

South America.

AVAILABILITY

Moderately available.