Obeche – African

Size of tree and type of forest/location: A large West African hardwood.
Description of wood: Heartwood white to pale yellow. Sapwood similar and up to 150mm wide. Texture medium and even. Grain slightly interlocked producing some stipe figure on the radial surface.
Dry density kg/m3: 370
Workability: Easy to work. Glues satisfactorily. Too soft to be a good nail holder. Just fair for steam bending. Sanding dust can irritate mucous membranes.
Durability:
Use: Plywood, joinery, furniture.
Availability: Commercially available.