Trade Names
Citron, Satinwood, Ceylon Satinwood, East Indian Satinwood
Similar Woods
Movingui, West Indian Satinwood (=Zanthoxylum flavum)
Origin
Sri Lanka, India.
Range
Epecially Mysore and Haiderabad; subject to high export duties in countries of origin, therefore extremely expensive.
Uses
High quality architectural purposes, more in North America and Australia than in Europe.
Properties
The wood is yellowish to cream in color. Generally sliced as true quarters which have a beautiful striped pattern. Since Satinwood also often has a bee’s-wing mottle it is an extremely decorative wood which has been used for centuries in making high quality furniture.
Machining
The wood is very difficult to saw and plane, interlocked grain and other grain irregularities can lead to imperfect surfaces. Tools become blunt because of the crystalline contents and the great hardness of this wood.
Seasoning
The wood dries slowly and must not be subjected to direct contact with the sun or air draughts. There is a tendency to checking and warping. Good results can only be achieved by very careful drying.
Finishing
Surface finishing presents no difficulties, nitro varnishes and polishes are taken readily. Grinding dust can cause inflammation of the skin.
Jointing
Surface finishing presents no difficulties, nitro varnishes and polishes are taken readily. Grinding dust can cause inflammation of the skin.