Spindle carving of tropical hardwoods

Abstract

Machine-carving tests were conducted on 132 green and 66 dry laminated patterns representing 11 tropical hardwood species. The degree of smoothness and soundness of the surfaces determined the machining quality.

Generally, machining green wood produced notches superior in surface quality to those manufactured from seasoned wood. Although interlocking grain is present in nearly all species, it is not detrimental to good machining. To enhance species response to polyethylene glycol treatment, minimize drying degradation, and facilitate machining, those with a specific gravity greater than 0.70 should not be selected for machine carving.