Is okoume the same as mahogany?
The name Okoume Mahogany is a misnomer, because it’s not true mahogany. By law, no Okoume logs can leave the country of Gabon, where Joubert’s Okoume comes from. The veneer mill has to be in Gabon where it can benefit the local economy.
What type of wood is okoume?
This is the commercial name for timber that comes from the tree Aucoumea klaineana, an African hardwood also known as “Gaboon” or alternately “Angouma.” It has been widely used throughout Europe over the past century.
What is okoume wood similar to?
Okoume wood is less dense than other mahogany substitutes like Sapele and Khaya. Thus, it makes lightweight electric guitars without chambering . Its grain is very similar to the more expensive Genuine Mahogany. Luthiers often say okoume’s tap tone is similar to traditional mahogany.
How hard is okoume wood?
On the Janka scale, a standard measure of wood hardness, Okoume’s rating is only 380. This is similar to the hardness of basswood (367) and redwood (402). Wood used for hardwood flooring is generally from much harder species such as red oak, which has a hardness of 1290.
Is okoume wood toxic?
Allergies/Toxicity: Okoume has been reported to cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation, as well as other effects such as asthma-like symptoms, coughing and conjunctivitis (pink eye). Common Uses: Veneer, plywood, boatbuilding, musical instruments, furniture and interior millwork.
How hard is Okoume wood?
Does okoume sound like mahogany?
This wood is softer, and leans toward the warmer side of the classic mahogany tone. Because it is softer, okoume often is used as a laminate, giving it additional rigidity. All of these woods are great tonewoods that speak with that unmistakable mahogany accent, and have that gorgeous warm mahogany look.
Is okoume wood good for doors?
Drying of Okoumé is rather easy, with hardly any defects. Okoumé is used for interior applications, like window and door frames, doors and cladding. Furthermore, it could be used for fully protected exterior constructions (e.g. protected window frames and cladding).
Does Okoume sound like mahogany?
Can you stain okoume wood?
Okoume accepts stain and glue very well but, even though soft, is only moderately easy to work by turning, carving, cutting or planing. The wood has a high silica content, which tends to blunt cutting tools more than might be expected of so soft a species.
Is Okoume wood waterproof?
Although not known for its water resistance, Okoume plywood is an exceptional choice for building racing boats as well as for other applications in which strength and light weight are desirable. Kitchen cabinets, furniture, and certain types of packaging may be constructed using this type of plywood.