 | Common name (English) Bullet wood – Massaranduba – Balata Common name (Spanish) Nispero chicle Scientific name Manilkara chicle / Manilkara bidentata / Mimusops spp. Family Sapotaceae Distribution or habitat Caribbean, Central and South America. Description Bulletwood is an incredibly strong, dense wood which has good durability in interior-exterior applications. The heartwood is reddish-brown; it is distinctly demarcated from the yellowish or cream-coloured sapwood. It is used for railroad ties, house building, and other purposes. Janka hardness 3130 pounds-force 13920 Newtons Average dried weight 1080 kg/m3 Color and Appearance Brownish red Workability Despite its high density, Bulletwood generally produces good results with both hand and machine tools, though it does exhibit an above-average dulling effect on cutters. Responds well to steam-bending. Can pose challenges in gluing due to high density and oil content. Durability Rated as very durable, with good resistance to most insect attack. Susceptible to marine borers. Commercial availability Bullet wood is available by container load. Can be supply in a regular basis. Export Restrictions None. |
