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Hyeronima alchorneoides
THE TIMBER:
Both the color and density of this wood can vary considerably.
The heartwood is generally reddish-brown, although it is
not uncommon to find pilon that is dark chocolate-brown, comparable in color
to black walnut.
The sapwood is normally light pinkish-tan and is much softer
than the heartwood. Pilon's somewhat coarse
texture and often interlocked grain give it a mahogany-like
appearance, but it is much heavier and less lustrous. The
wood is very strong and elastic. It is only slightly less rugged than Brazilian
rosewood in
most respects.
WORKABILITY:
On first examination, on would think pilon should be more
popular than it is. It has adequate strength for most furniture applications,
its color and figure rival both mahogany and walnut, and it machines quite
well, except for its slight tendency to chip when pieces with extremely
interlocked grain are planed. Like most dense
woods, screws and heavy -gauge nails require pilot holes,
but it is easy to finish. With reasonable care in selecting uniformly colored
material for a given project, it is dark enough so as not to need staining
and it takes varnish beautifully. While it does not have an inordinate tendency
to check, it is so prone to warping and volumetric
change it is difficult to find boards that are flat enough
for use in anything but small projects. Router bits and belt sanders cause
the wood's resin to burn or darken quickly.
USES:
Within its native range, pilon is used for heavy construction
such as beams and bridge timbers where its strength and elasticity are especially
advantageous. Also, its durability makes it a good wood for both shipbuilding
and railroad ties. Some is used for flooring, plywood, veneer, turnery and
furniture. |
