Is this mahogany?

RHayes · #1 02-25-2021, 11:01 PM

A friend offered me his wood stash so I picked out some mahogany (we assumed) that appeared most quarter sawn. Its pretty light, sands without much clogging, and I haven't had much success bending sides. Lots of spring back, some cracking, etc. More heat makes it really brittle. Problem mahogany (for me any way) or maybe another species that looks somewhat alike?

RHayes · #2 02-26-2021, 07:54 AM

Since posting this, I spent some time searching and come to the conclusion that yes, it definitely might be one of the 100 plus varieties and can be all over the map when it comes to bending. One thing for sure is its very rewarding to stomp over cooked sides into little shards on the floor.

SonofA · #3 03-04-2021, 06:04 AM

Hi new to the forum. I had the exact same experience with a Cedro or Spanish ceder. No mahogany was in stock so we matched it with the backs that I had. It looks real close, but it was also dry & crunchy & burnt. I did get a 1/2 set sides bend w/cracking even after using softener & closely watching the temp. I was using heat blanket.....Sometimes free is crunchy & dry....& 3 waisted after noons.

RHayes · #4 03-04-2021, 08:26 AM

You might be on to something. It was a bit more aromatic than other boards I acquired and noticeably lighter. What I had planned for as a back seems like it would make a suitable top.

Zigeuner · #5 03-04-2021, 09:27 AM

Offhand, without having the wood in my hands, I'd say that it looks like Luan (Philippine Mahogany). So, yes, it could be Mahogany, but it's not something that I would use. In any case, the back sections are obviously not wide enough.

JMHO. YMMV.

Dave Abrahamson · #6 03-04-2021, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zigeuner

Offhand, without having the wood in my hands, I'd say that it looks like Luan (Philippine Mahogany). So, yes, it could be Mahogany, but it's not something that I would use. In any case, the back sections are obviously not wide enough.

JMHO. YMMV.

Look closer. The sides are resting on top of the backs covering the outlines.😉

Zigeuner · #7 03-04-2021, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Abrahamson

Look closer. The sides are resting on top of the backs covering the outlines.😉

That's right. I still think that the wood is Luan.

RHayes · #8 03-04-2021, 07:41 PM

The chalk lines are generously oversized for a L-00 size so no problem there.

My original thought was the wood resembled a cheap hollow core door so I'm going with luan.

runamuck · #9 03-04-2021, 09:20 PM

I also guess that it's luan.