BASSWOOD
Botanical Name: Tilia americana Lightweight and easy to work, basswood has been considered one of the world’s foremost carving woods for centuries. It can be shaped to remarkably fine detail. It is odor-free and has been used extensively for domestic goods such as kitchen utensils and food containers. Basswood is considered unsuitable for outdoor duty because it weathers poorly.
Other Names: American linden, linn, lime tree; /mercan lime (U. K..).
Sources: Eastern Canada and U. S.A.
Characteristics: Straight grain; fine texture; creamy white darkening to creamy brown.
Uses: Turning, carving, pattern making, toys, piano keys, match splints, boxes and crates.
Workability: Very good; blunts cutters slightly; poor bending properties.
Finishing: Generally good with all finishes.
Weight: 26 Ib./cu. ft.
Price: Inexpensive (slightly higher for thick 12A and '% kiln - dried carving stock).
Botanical Name: Aspidosperma cruentum A wonderful, easy-working timber, bayo is a "lesser - known species" hardwood that is often available in large sizes and sometimes cut into veneers. Not only attractive, bayo is also very decay-resistant.
5ources: Southeast Mexico, Belize, Honduras. Characteristics: Straight to slightly interlocking grain; medium to fine texture; heartwood: brownish pink; sap- wood: cream with a pinkish blush throughout.
Uses: Cabinetwork, turning, framing, furniture and decorative veneers.
Workability: Generally good; does not take nails well; good bending properties.
Finishing: Accepts finishes well.
Weight: 37-46 Ib./cu. ft.
Price: Moderate.
