WENGE Family: Scientific name(s): Commercial restriction:
FABACEAE (angiosperm) Millettia laurentii Millettia stuhlmannii no commercial restriction
WOOD DESCRIPTION
LOG DESCRIPTION
Color: dark brown Sapwood: clearly demarcated Texture: coarse Grain: straight Interlocked Grain: absent Note: Sometimes, brittleheart and grub hole. Wood yellow when fresh, becoming dark brown to black brown with light. Presence of alternate light and dark strips.
Diameter: Thickness of Sapwood: Floats: Log Durability:
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MECHANICAL/ACOUSTIC
24 – 39 inches 1 – 2 inches no good
Physical and mechanical properties are based on mature heartwood specimens. These properties can vary greatly depending on origin and growth conditions. Mean Std. Dev. Mean Std. Dev. Specific Gravity*: Crushing Strength*: 0.87 0.08 12,328 psi 2,175 psi Janka Hardness (lbs): Static Bending Strength*: 1,930 20,885 psi 6,236 psi Volumetric Shrinkage: Modulus of Elasticity*: 0.69% 3,053,044 psi 100,801 psi Total Tangential Shrinkage (TS): 9.1% Total Radial Shrinkage (RS): Musical Quality Factor: 135.1 measured at 2619 Hz 5.9% TS/RS Ratio: 1.5 Fiber Saturation Point: 22% *At 12% moisture content. Stability: moderately stable
NATURAL DURABILITY AND TREATABILITY Fungi and termite resistance refers to end-uses under temperate climate. Except for special comments on sapwood, natural durability is based on mature heartwood. Sapwood must always be considered as non-durable against wood degrading agents. E.N. = Euro Norm Funghi (According to E.N. standards): class 2 – durable Dry Wood Borers: class D - durable (sapwood demarcated, risk limited to sapwood) Termites (According to E.N. standards): class D – durable Treatability (according to E.N. standards): class 4 – not permeable Use class ensured by natural durability: class 4 – in ground or fresh water contact Species covering the use class 5: no Note: This species is listed in the European standard NF EN 350-2. The possible presence of few demarcated sapwood may have an influence on the expected durability. According to the European standard NF EN 335, performance length might be modified by the intensity of end-use exposition.
REQUIREMENT OF A PRESERVATIVE TREATMENT Against dry wood borer attacks: In case of risk of temporary humidification: In case of risk of permanent humidification:
Overseas Hardwoods Company
does not require any preservative treatment does not require any preservative treatment does not require any preservative treatment
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WENGE DRYING Drying Rate: Risk of Distortion: Risk of Casehardening: Risk of Checking: Risk of Collapse: Possible Drying Schedule:
slow slight risk no high risk no 4
M.C. (%) Green 50 40 30 15
Temperature (ยบF) Dry-Bulb Wet-Bulb 107.6 102.2 118.4 109.4 118.4 109.4 118.4 109.4 129.2 114.8
Air Humidity (%) 82 74 74 74 63
This schedule is given for information only and is applicable to thickness lower or equal to 1.5 in. It must be used in compliance with the code of practice. For thickness from 1.5 to 3 in, the air relative humidity should be increased by 5% at each step. For thickness over 3 in, a 10% increase should be considered.
SAWING AND MACHINING
ASSEMBLING
Blunting Effect: fairly high Sawteeth Recommended: stellite-tipped Cutting Tools: tungsten carbide Peeling: not recommended or without interest Slicing: good Note: Requires power. Difficult to polish. Apply preferably a finishing wax.
Nailing / screwing: good but pre-boring necessary Gluing: poor
END-USES
MAIN LOCAL NAMES
Cabinetwork (high class furniture) Sliced Veneer Furniture or Furniture Components Flooring Interior Joinery Sculpture Exterior Joinery Turned Goods Exterior Paneling
Country France Cameroon Gabon Tanzania Germany France UK Mozambique
Overseas Hardwoods Company
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Local Name Wenge Awoung Awong Mpande Panga-Panga Panga-Panga Panga-Panga Jambire
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