Wenge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wenge (pronounced /ˈwɛŋɡeɪ/ WENG-gay) is a tropical timber, very dark in color, with a very distinctive figure, with a strong partridge pattern. The wood is heavy and hard, suitable for flooring and staircases, but due to its very outspoken appearance, it has gone in and out of fashion.
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[edit] Uses
Alembic guitars of California has used this wood on numerous occasions for custom instruments. Ibanez uses it for some of their 5 piece electric bass necks. Also, Warwick electric basses use it for fingerboards.
The wood is popular in woodturning, especially for segmented woodturning due to its dimensional stability and the color contrast when mixed with lighter woods such as maple, making it especially sought after in the manufacture of higher-end wood canes.
The wood is sometimes used in the making of archery bows. In particular as a laminate in production of a flatbow. It can also be used in the making of rails or pin blocks on a hammered dulcimer.
[edit] Health hazards
The dust given off when cutting or sanding Wengé can cause dermatitis similar to the effects of poison ivy and is an irritant to the eyes. The dust can cause respiratory problems and drowsiness. Splinters are septic similar to those of greenheart (the wood of Chlorocardium rodiei).
[edit] Origin
It is the product of Millettia laurentii, native to the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Tanzania, and Mozambique. This species is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List: Category EN A1cd. Main reasons are destruction of its habitat and over-exploitation for timber[1]. Other names that are sometimes used are Palissandre d'Afrique (African Rosewood), Palissandre du Congo (Congolese Rosewood), Faux Ebenier, Dikela, Mibotu, Bokonge and Awong.
[edit] References
- ^ African Regional Workshop (Conservation & Sustainable Management of Trees, Zimbabwe) 1998. Millettia laurentii. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
[edit] Further reading
- Baker, Mark (2004). "Wood for Woodturners". Sussex: Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications. ISBN 1861083246.
