Padauk Turning Blanks

Padauk Specs

Scientific Name

Pterocarpus soyauxii

Common Name(s)

African Padauk, Vermillion

Distribution

Central and tropical west Africa

Janka Hardness

1,970 lbf (8,760 N)

Appearance

Heartwood color can vary, ranging from a pale pinkish orange to a deep brownish red. Most pieces tend to start reddish orange when freshly cut, darkening substantially over time to a reddish/purplish brown (some lighter pieces age to a grayish brown). See the article Preventing Color Changes in Exotic Woods for more information.

Texture

Grain is usually straight, but can sometimes be interlocked. With a coarse, open texture and good natural luster.

Workability

Overall Padauk is easy to work; tearout may also occur during planing on quartersawn or interlocked grain. Padauk turns, glues, and finishes well.

Common Uses

Veneer, flooring, turned objects, musical instruments, furniture, tool handles, and other small specialty wood objects.