Replies

1. 
   jonsherryl | Dec 27, 2002 02:12am | #1

   Michael, canary wood is another one of those common names that drive wood technologists nuts. It is used to describe a number of woods belonging to at least three different botanical families...But I think the most common one on the market these days is cut from several species in the genus; Centrolobium, from Central and South America. The two primary Brazilian species: C. robustum and C. tomentosum are sometimes very colorful...bright yellow with orange or red streaks. Depending upon the quality and figure, canary wood generally sells for upwards of $10 per board foot.

1. 
   ui983 | Dec 27, 2002 07:44pm | #2

   Jon, Thank you very much for the quick reply to my query re "Canary Wood".

   My next question (I promise my last) is about a new wood being marketed here: Lyptus. It is a hybrid of two Eucalyptus trees, apparently grows to huge size in 16 years in Brazil, and appears to be a wonderful wood, heavier, harder and stronger than mahogany, nice dark red colour. It is a little more expensive than oak, about $6 here.

   I have not seen any mention of Lyptus (or Canary) wood in FWW, and I have every issue, all indexed in my computer. Sounds like another column for you.

1. 
   jonsherryl | Dec 27, 2002 11:48pm | #3

   Michael, I 've seen some reports on this new hybrid Eucalyptus that make it sound like a real "wonderwood." Some of the eucalypts are nice cabinet woods...so, I'm not a total skeptic...and its rate of growth is certainly a conservationist's prayer-come-true. I think the biggest question I've yet to see answered is just how stable it is in use. The eucalypts aren't known for their outstanding stability and, given the reported rate of growth, I am a bit skeptical about that particular characteristic of this hybrid...but I haven't worked with it yet.

   As for lyptus and canary wood not having made the august pages of FWW yet, there's good reason. Lyptus is too new and canary wood is a low volume specialty wood. I've offered to do articles on a number of lesser known species and FWW isn't very keen on giving them the space...Certainly understandable, since they're in the business of selling magazines and try (with considerable success, I think) to appeal to the interests of the majority of their readers...Keep lobbying though, I'd love to see them loosen up on their "major species only" editorial policy.