Wenge
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Wenge (pronounced /ˈwɛŋɡeɪ/ WENG-gay) is a tropical timber, very dark in color with a distinctive figure and a strong partridge pattern. The wood is heavy and hard, suitable for flooring and staircases. Due to its bold appearance, it has gone in and out of fashion. It also gives its name to the colour wenge.
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[edit] Uses
Several musical instrument makers employ Wenge in their products. Alembic guitars has used this wood on numerous occasions for custom instruments. Ibanez uses it for the five-piece necks of some of their electric basses. Warwick electric basses use it for fingerboards.
The wood is popular in segmented woodturning because of its dimensional stability and color contrast when mixed with lighter woods such as maple. This makes it especially sought-after in the manufacture of high-end wood canes.
The wood is sometimes used in the making of archery bows, particularly as a laminate in the production of flatbows. It can also be used in the making of rails or pin blocks on hammered dulcimers.
[edit] Health hazards
The dust produced when cutting or sanding Wenge can cause dermatitis similar to the effects of poison ivy and is an irritant to the eyes. The dust also can cause respiratory problems and drowsiness.[citation needed] Splinters are septic, similar to those of greenheart (the wood of Chlorocardium rodiei).
[edit] Origin
Wenge is the product of the Millettia laurentii tree. Native to the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea, this species is listed as endangered in the IUCN Red List: Category EN A1cd, principally due to destruction of its habitat and over-exploitation for timber[1]. Other names sometimes used for Wenge include 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 2009. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2009.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 28 November 2009.
[edit] Further reading
- Baker, Mark (2004). "Wood for Woodturners". Sussex: Guild of Master Craftsmen Publications. ISBN 1861083246.
