American Black Walnut

(juglans nigra.)

Description

A medium to large hardwood from the US.  Heartwood is a purple brown colour with pale sapwood.  Fine grain with swirls and wavy patterns, especially around knotty areas

Workability

An excellent cabinet timber.  Performs most operations well and takes a very high polish.

Applications

High end cabinet work and fit outs.  Favoured for gun stocks.

Availability

Reasonably good though mainly available in FAS ( first and seconds ) grade in Australia.  This means knots, sapwood and wany edges are all permissible. 

Hardness

600kg/m3  Not particularly hard.

Durability

Durable but why waste it outside.

At a Glance

Turning:		Excellent
Machining:		Excellent
Bending:		Very Good
Sanding:		Excellent
Nailing/Screwing:		Very Good
Glueing:		Very Good
Timber Coating:		Accepts most coatings very well.
Oil:		Burnished oil finishes bring out plenty of depth
Note 1		Pity that we cant claim it as an Aussie timber.  It's one of hte best.
Note 2		Well worth trying at least once before you hang up the apron.