Narra Wood
Today I discuss the featured species, Narra. It is a beautiful SE Asian wood mostly known in its burl form where it is called Amboyna Burl. Narra is undoubtedly a tropical wood in the Padauk genus but unlike many tropical woods it is easier to work with due to a lower hardness and a luster that serves to lubricate tooling while working its.
I also discuss some of the elements that may make locally sourced timbers more expensive than wood brought from across the country. And finally how you might start the process of having your own trees introduced into the urban lumber market.
Lumber Industry News
Listener Questions
Featured Species: Narra
Pterocarpus indicus or Narra is mostly known and sought in its burl form which is called Amboyna Burl. But burls don't grow all by themselves and the tree that burl is attached to is called Narra. It is a beautiful, definitely tropical looking wood that is deceptively easy to work. The lower hardness and density plus the larger pores make this a pleasure to cut, chop and plane. Its natural luster means it can be finished to a high shine with sand paper alone. And the rose scent to it makes the entire experience a pleasure.
I find the appearance to be similar to Bubinga with more red than purple undertones but a hell of a lot easier to work. It is a tertiary species and export is lower than some species but the burl is highly traded and it is a safe bet there where a supplier has Amboyna, they will have the straight grained counterpart, Narra.
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