Nogal/peruvian walnut
|
Common Name(s): Peruvian Walnut, Tropical Walnut, Nogal Scientific Name: Juglans spp. (Juglans australis, J. neotropica, J. olanchana, etc.) Distribution: Southern Mexico, Central and South America Tree Size: 30-60 ft (9-18 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter Average Dried Weight: 37 lbs/ft3 (600 kg/m3) Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .50, .60 Janka Hardness: 960 lbf (4,250 N) Modulus of Rupture: 11,160 lbf/in2 (77.0 MPa) Elastic Modulus: 1,132,000 lbf/in2 (7.81 GPa) Crushing Strength: 6,550 lbf/in2 (45.2 MPa) Shrinkage: Radial: 3.6%, Tangential: 7.5%, Volumetric: 11.4%, T/R Ratio: 2.1 |
Color/Appearance: Heartwood tends to be darker than temperate walnut species, with a deep chocolate brown color, sometimes with a purplish hue. May also contain streaks of lighter-colored wood mixed throughout the heartwood, which can sometimes be extensive and result in a high degree of waste. Grain figuring such as curl seems to be much less common than other walnut species.
Grain/Texture: Grain is usually straight, but can be irregular. Has a medium to coarse texture and good natural luster.
Endgrain: Diffuse-porous; large to very large pores, few; solitary and radial multiples of 2-3; tyloses commonly present; growth rings distinct; narrow rays not visible without lens, spacing normal to fairly close; parenchyma banded.
Rot Resistance: Peruvian Walnut is rated as moderately durable in terms of decay resistance, though it is susceptible to insect attack.
Workability: Typically easy to work provided the grain is straight and regular. Planer tearout can sometimes be a problem when surfacing pieces with irregular or figured grain. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Odor: Peruvian Walnut has a faint, mild odor when being worked that is similar to Black Walnut.
Allergies/Toxicity: Other species in the Juglans genus (such as Black, and English Walnut) have been reported as sensitizers, and Peruvian Walnut is likely to generate similar allergic reactions. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.
