WOOD SPECIES: Bocote
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cordia gerascanthus
OTHER COMMON NAMES: Anacahuite, Bocote, Bois De Rose, Canalete, Cordia, Light American, Cupane, Ecuador Laurel, Laurel, Laurel De Costa, Laurel Negro, Peterebi, Salmwood, Siricote
TYPICAL USES: Bocote is a striking exotic wood species, with coloration, grain patterns and working properties that make it ideally suited for a number of uses, including cabinetry and furniture making, flooring, veneers, musical instruments, turnery and more.
SOURCES: Central America
AVG BENDING STRENGTH: 16,500 psi
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 0.74
AVG WEIGHT: 58 lbs/cu.ft.
SAPWOOD COLOR: Bocote sapwood is generally a brownish red hue.
HEARTWOOD COLOR: Bocote heartwood is typically a light golden brown hue streaked with irregular dark striping.
GRAIN: Sometimes straight grained, Bocote can also be found with highly figured grain patterns.
TEXTURE: Medium texture with small to medium sized pores.
MOVEMENT: Properly seasoned, Bocote is typically stable with little dimensional movement.
DURABILITY: Bocote heartwood is generally durable and resistant to decay, however the wood is susceptible to insects.
BLUNTING EFFECT: Only a slight blunting effect is noticed on cutting edges.
CUTTING RESISTANCE: Bocote is relatively easy to saw, with only a minimal dulling of saw blades.
PLANING: Responds quite well to most machining operations, yielding a smooth clean finish.
TURNING: Bocote turns well, yielding smooth clean surfaces.
BORING: No known issues.
GLUING: Despite its high natural oil content, Bocote glues surprisingly well.
NAILING: Holds nails well.
SCREWING: Holds screws well, pre-drilling is recommended.
POLISHING: Bocote typically polishes to a beautiful natural finish.
STAINING: Bocote has excellent staining properties.
STEAM BENDING: Steam bending applications yield good results.
