WOOD SPECIES:
Tulipwood
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
Dalbergia decipularis
OTHER COMMON NAMES:
Tulipwood, Brazilian Tulipwood, Pau Rosa, Bois De Rose, Pinkwood, Pau De Fuso, Jacaranda Fosa
TYPICAL USES:
Tulipwood is prized for inlay and marquetry applications, turnery, fine furniture, veneers, cabinetry, musical instruments and small specialty wood products.
SOURCES:
Central America, South America
SPECIFIC GRAVITY:
0.86
AVG WEIGHT:
61 lbs/cu.ft.
COLOR:
Tulipwood is prized for its coloration and markings, with irregular streaks of red, yellow and purple hues.
GRAIN:
Tulipwood lumber is typically straight grained.
TEXTURE:
Fine texture with medium sized, open pores.
MOVEMENT:
Relatively stable with little dimensional movement.
DURABILITY:
Tulipwood is generally considered to have a low resistance to decay. It is, however, somewhat more resistant to insect infestation.
BLUNTING EFFECT:
Its high density makes Tulipwood difficult to work, with a significant blunting effect on cutting edges.
CUTTING RESISTANCE:
The sharpest tools are recommended in order to overcome Tulipwood’s relatively high density.
PLANING:
Sharp tools, reduced angles and adjusted feed rates are required when machining Tulipwood stock.
TURNING:
As Tulipwood is expensive and in relatively short supply, most stock arrives in the form of smaller pieces perfectly suited for projects on the woodworker’s lathe.
GLUING:
Difficulties in gluing can arise from the high volume of natural oils found within the wood.
POLISHING:
Tulipwood exhibits very good polishing characteristics.
STAINING:
Due to its stunning appearance, clear or natural finishes are recommended in order to let Tulipwood’s beauty shine through.
