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Old 04-12-2010, 02:47 AM
guitar1580 guitar1580 is offline
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Default Goncalo Alves grips

For some time now, Goncalo Alves was just another fancy wood that I cannot pronounce the name of. I knew that it is pretty and striped, but I never knew much about it or where it came from.

Since my latest Smith & Wesson acquisition sports a pretty set of GA grips, I figured it's time to look it up and learn what the heck I'm talking about, before all of my friends ask.

Found some interesting info and though I'd share it with those interested.

Some quotes from several online articles:

Quote:
Common Name: Goncalo Alves
Botanical Name: Astronium fraxinifolium
Other Common Names: Goncalo alves, Kingwood, Zebrawood, Zorrowood, Tigerwood, Mura, Urunday-para, Bois de zebre, Bossona
Common Uses: Billiard-cue butts, Boat building, Bobbins, Bows, Cabinetmaking, Decorative veneer, Fine furniture, Flooring, Furniture , Jewelry box, Paneling , Plywood, Shutters, Turnery
Region: Latin America
Country: Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
Distribution: The geographical range of the species is reported to be tropical South America, and includes Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Another very similar species, which is also marketed as Goncalo alves is A. graveolens , grows in the upland forest of many regions from Mexico and Central America to Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador.

The Tree: Goncalo alves is a large canopy tree, sometimes reaching 120 feet in height in the natural rainforest, with a trunk 3 feet in diameter. The tree has a clear, straight cylindrical bole for two-thirds or more of its height, above a small buttress.

Status: Goncalo alves has been heavily exploited because of its great beauty. It is now rare outside of the protection of national parks, and is listed as threatened in "Arboles Maderables en Peligro de Extinción en Costa Rica."

The Wood: Goncalo alves ranges in color from light to reddish brown to deep mahogany red-brown with a striking figure created by beautiful, bold, brown to nearly black irregular markings or striping. The texture is fine to medium and uniform, with a fine grain, varying from straight to interlocked and wavy. In spite of its high density, goncalo alves turns readily, carves well, finishes very smoothly, and takes a beautiful natural polish. The wood is rated highly durable and has strength values considerably higher than any well-known U.S. species.

Uses: Among the most outstanding and attractive woods, goncalo alves is highly prized for its outstanding beauty. It is used for fine furniture and cabinetry, carving, turnery such as bowls and trays, specialty items such as knife handles, brush backs, and archery bows, and for decorative and figured veneers.

OTHER NAMES Tigerwood, Brazilian Koa, Zebrawood, Urunday-Para, Mura, Bois De Zebre, Chibatao, Guarita, Aderno
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES Strong in all categories and is not used in steam bending.
WORKING PROPERTIES Difficult to work. Moderate to severe blunting effect on cutters. Requires reduced angle cutting due to hard and soft layers and irregular grain. Pre-drilling is required for nailing, but holds screws well. Glues easily and finishes with a high natural polish.
DURABILITY Highly durable. Not subject to beetle attack. Extremely resistant to preservative treatment.
SEASONING Difficult to dry with strong tendency to warp and check. Should be air dried slowly. Small movement.
USES High-class furniture and cabinetmaking, fancy goods and decorative work. Excellent for turning. Sliced veneers used in architectural paneling and face veneering.Also used for interior hardwood flooring and exterior decking.
COMMENTS Although sometimes called "Zebrawood", true Zebrawood is a different species.

Tigerwood Lumber - janka hardness: 1850


Josh P
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Old 04-12-2010, 08:07 AM
Kevin G Kevin G is offline
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Thanks for your effort. A very thorough job.
Kevin
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Old 04-12-2010, 08:56 AM
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reddogge reddogge is offline
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A knowledgeble person told me this Tice and Watts bow is that wood also. It was used quite a bit in the 60s/70s as riser material.
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