 Makore (Tieghemella heckelii)
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Common Name(s): Makore Scientific Name: Tieghemella heckelii, Tieghemella africana Distribution: Western and Middle Africa (from Sierra Leone to Gabon) Tree Size: 180-200 ft (55-60 m) tall, 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 43 lbs/ft3 (690 kg/m3) Hardness: 1,110 lbf (4,940 N) Bending Strength: 16,030 lbf/in2 (110,570 kPa) Elasticity: 1,520,000 lbf/in2 (10,480 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 5.5%, Tangential: 7.4%, Volumetric: 10.8%, T/R Ratio: 1.3 |
Color/Appearance: Pink or reddish brown, commonly with a mottled or wavy grain pattern. Figured grain patterns are commonly seen in Makore, and include: mottled, curly, wavy, and moire.
Grain/Pore: Makore has a fine texture with closed pores. It also tends to have a natural luster and shine from its high silica content. The grain can be straight, interlocked, or wavy.
Durability: Heartwood is very durable, and is also resistant to insect attack.
Workability: Generally easy to work, though sections with interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or other machining operations. Makore will react when put into direct contact with iron, becoming discolored and stained. Makore also has a pronounced blunting effect on cutters due to its high silica content. Besides this dulling effect, Makore turns well, and is easy to glue and finish.
Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.
Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Makore has been reported to cause eye, throat, and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
Price Range: Should be moderately priced for an import. Likely to be on par with other common African hardwoods such as Padauk or African Mahogany. Boards with figured grain patterns are likely to be much more expensive.
Comments: Makore, much like Sapele, is frequently imported from Africa in both board and veneer forms, and is available in a wide variety of figured grain patterns.
Some common uses of Makore include: veneer, plywood, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, musical instruments, turned objects, and other small wooden specialty items.
None available.
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Makore (sanded) |
 Makore (sealed) |
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