WOOD SPECIES:
Rosewood
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Dalbergia stevensonii
OTHER COMMON NAMES:
Honduras Rosewood, Honduran Rosewood, Nogaed, Rosewood
TYPICAL USES:
Rosewood is commonly used in the production of musical instruments, as well as in cabinet-making, furniture, marquetry, etc.
SOURCES:
Central America
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
0.88
AVG WEIGHT:
61 lbs/cu.ft.
SAPWOOD COLOR:
Rosewood sapwood is generally a pale yellowish tone and is quite distinct from the surrounding heartwood.
HEARTWOOD COLOR:
The heartwood in Rosewood lumber typically exhibits a streaked appearance, containing pinks, browns and purples.
GRAIN:
Rosewood grain is generally straight.
TEXTURE:
A relatively fine to medium-fine texture with smallish pores.
LUSTER:
Low to medium luster.
MOVEMENT:
In general, Rosewood exhibits strong dimensional stability.
DURABILITY:
While the heartwood is considered to be extremely durable, the sapwood is susceptible to decay, especially in contact with the ground.
BLUNTING EFFECT:
A relatively strong blunting effect is characteristic of most Rosewood lumber stock.
CUTTING RESISTANCE:
Moderately resistant to sawing operations, Rosewood responds best to sharp cutting tools.
PLANING:
Sharp cutters, proper angles and feed rates are required for the best machining results.
TURNING:
Rosewood is typically a top choice for turnery and woodworking lathe operations.
BORING:
Its hardness makes Rosewood somewhat difficult to bore.
GLUING:
Rosewood’s high oil content creates problems with most gluing applications.
NAILING:
Pre-drilling is highly recommended.
SCREWING:
Pre-drilling is highly recommended.
POLISHING:
Rosewood reportedly polishes to a pleasing natural finish.
STAINING:
Owing to its high oil content, Rosewood can be difficult to finish. Some color bleeding has been noticed when initial seal coats are not applied carefully.
STEAM BENDING:
Hardness and density make Rosewood a less-than-ideal candidate for bending except when working with thin stock such as would be used in the production of guitars and other stringed instruments.
