WOOD SPECIES:
Padauk, African Padauk
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Pterocarpus soyauxii
OTHER COMMON NAMES:
Padauk, African Padauk, Mbe, Mbil, Mututi, Ngula, Bosulu
TYPICAL USES:
Padauk is a favorite hardwood of woodworkers and hobbyists alike, due to its attractive color and appearance. Typical uses include musical instruments, flooring, veneers, furniture, turnery and small specialty wood products..
SOURCES:
Central Africa, Western Africa
RELATED SPECIES:
Amboyna (Pterocarpus indicus)
Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis)
Narra (Pterocarpus indicus)
AVG BENDING STRENGTH:
16,800 psi
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
0.61
AVG WEIGHT:
46 lbs/cu.ft.
COLOR:
Padauk’s heartwood ranges from a light pink-orange hue to a darker reddish brown color, usually darkening somewhat with age and exposure.
GRAIN:
Usually Padauk exhibits a straight grain that can sometimes be interlocked.
TEXTURE:
Medium to coarse texture with large open pores.
LUSTER:
Padauk exhibits a pleasing natural luster.
MOVEMENT:
Excellent dimensional stability with little or no movement during service.
DURABILITY:
Padauk is typically rated as durable, with a strong resistance to decay and insects.
BLUNTING EFFECT:
A slight blunting effect may be noticed on cutting tools.
CUTTING RESISTANCE:
Padauk lumber cuts vey well with a slower feed rate and carbide-tipped blades in use.
PLANING:
Planes to a very smooth surface, although quartersawn stock with interlocked grain is susceptible to tearing.
TURNING:
Padauk exhibits excellent turning properties.
BORING:
Good drilling and boring properties.
GLUING:
Padauk responds well to most gluing applications.
NAILING:
Padauk lumber typically holds nails well, although pre-drilling is recommended to avoid splitting, especially in smaller stock.
SCREWING:
Holds screws well. Pre-boring recommended, especially for smaller stock.
POLISHING:
Polishes well to a pleasing natural finish.
STAINING:
Water-based finishes are recommended for use with Padauk in order to minimize bleeding.
