Honduras cedar
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Description
A cedar tree, Cedrela mexicana, native to Central America. The Honduras cedar produces a reddish-brown, straight-grain wood. It is durable and has been used for boat-planking, cabinetry, and carving.
Synonyms and Related Terms
Cedrela mexicana; Cedrala mexicana; Cedrela odorata; cedro de las indias (Esp.); cedro das Honduras (Port.); cigar-box cedar; Spanish cedar; Mexican cedar; West Indian cedar; Central American cedar
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Heartwood is uniform pinkish to reddish brown; darkens with age; no to little patterning.
- Grain is straight with medium texture and moderate natural luster
- Density = 28-45 ppcf
Working Properties
- Easy to work with both hand and machine tools; its low density and softness can leave fuzzy surfaces if not machined with sharp cutters
- Extra sanding up to finer grits may be required to obtain a smooth wood surface
- Natural gum pockets can remain wet and ooze out, sometimes gumming saw blades and hindering finishing
Resources and Citations
- The Wood Database: Spanish Cedar
- F. H. Titmuss, Commercial Timbers of the World, The Technical Press Ltd., London, 1965