Bubinga 4/4 & 8/4

Bubinga (Guibourtia spp.) has a close resemblance to rosewood, and is often use in place of more expensive woods. Yet Bubinga also features a host of stunning grain figures, such as flamed, pommele, and waterfall, which make this wood truly unique. Bubinga also has an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio.    Its grain is straight to interlocked and has a uniform fine to medium texture and moderate natural luster. Heartwood ranges from a pinkish red to a darker reddish brown with darker purple or black streaks. Sapwood is a pale straw color and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood. Bubinga is very frequently seen with a variety of figure, including: pommele, flamed, waterfall, quilted, mottled, etc.    Easy to work overall, though depending upon the species Bubinga can have silica present, which can prematurely dull cutting edges. Also, on pieces with figured or interlocking grain, tearout can occur during planing or other machining operations. Gluing can occasionally be problematic due to Bubinga’s high density and natural oils. Turns and finishes well. Bubinga is reported to have an unpleasant scent when the lumber is still wet, which disappears after the wood is dry. Botanical Name Guibourtia spp. Origin Equatorial Africa Janka Hardness 2,410 lbf Average Dried Weight 56 lbs/ft3 Workability Easy to work, sometimes Bubinga can have silica present, which can blunt cutting edges. Pieces with figured or interlocking grain can tearout during planing. Gluing can sometimes give trouble due to Bubinga’s high density and natural oils. Turns and finishes well. Related Species Ovangkol (Guibourtia ehie) Tiete Rosewood (Guibourtia chodatiana)