Gabarro

Khaya

Scientific name: Scientific name: Khaya spp

Geographic origin: Center, west and east of Africa.

Khaya
Description

  • Sapwood: pink white.
  • Heartwood: varies from pink brown to light red that darkens with the light effects.
  • Fiber: straight, usually intertwined and of small to medium size.
  • Grain: medium size.
  • Characteristic defects: growth tensions, soft core.

Capacity of being impregnated

  • Sapwood: medium capacity of being impregnated.
  • Heartwood: no capable of being impregnated.

Mechanization

  • Sawing process: easy, although there is a risk of deformation due to growth tensions.
  • Drying process: easy and fast. Low risk of deformation, with mainly intertwined wood.
  • Planing process: risk of repelling with intertwined fiber pieces.
  • Gluing process: no difficulties.
  • Nailing and screwing process: easy.
  • Finish: no difficulties.

Physical properties

  • Apparent density at 12% humidity 510 kg/m3 semi-light.
  • Dimensional stability
  • Volumetric contraction coefficient 0.41 % stable wood.
  • Relation between contractions 1.52% no tendency to deformity.
  • Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 1.9 softwood.

Khaya
Mechanical properties

  • Resistance to static flexion 760 kg/cm2.
  • Elasticity module 94,000 kg/cm2.
  • Resistance to compression 460 kg/cm2.
  • Resistance to parallel traction of fibers 600 kg/cm2.

Khaya
Observations

  • It is also known by the name of Samanguila.
  • Clear color difference between sapwood and heartwood.
  • Because it can have the fiber intertwined, after brushing it can continue leaving what we call "repelo", since the blades do not cut the fiber well and What they do is rip it off.