What wood is this?

[Biff Johnson]

Found a chunk of wood lurking in the corner of the shop and I don't remember what it is or how I came by. I played with it on the lathe and it turns very nicely. The wood is soft but it throws out these tiny little slivers that are very itchy. It's a reddish color...the only thing I did to this piece was wax it.

Comparing it to my wood id book, I think it may be mahogany. Any opinions?246705

[george wilson]

It isn't mahogany. Can't be sure what it is,but it isn't mahogany.

[Bill Edwards(2)]

Might not be native mahogany, but I've seen Lauan look like that.

[Biff Johnson]

Might not be native mahogany, but I've seen Lauan look like that.


It certainly does look like mahogany luan that I've used. It doesn't have any distinctive smell and it was a bad idea to pick up a pile of shavings....they are very sharp little slivers!

[george wilson]

Luan is not a mahogany. It is commonly called it,but it is not in that family.

[Rick Potter]

Looks kinda like some Jatoba I used once. I think that was the name of it.

Rick Potter

[John Lifer]

If it is soft, it isn't Jatoba, It ranks WAY above Oak and maple on hardness. It does have that color....

[david brum]

Another vote for Luan. I think it's actually called Meranti if it isn't in plywood. It kind of generically refers to random tropical hardwood trees, as long as they sort of look like mahogany. I haven't turned any of it, but it is definitely soft. The dust makes my skin itch, also. Very nasty stuff to breathe.

Here's (http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/meranti.htm)a link to a description.

[Myk Rian]

Pecan is my guess.

[John Nesmith]

It doesn't look like any Pecan (or Hickory) I've seen.

It looks sort of Mahoganish, but not exactly like any of the much I have worked with.