Cocobolo

In Mexico the tree is called granadillo, but in most places around the world, dalbergia retusa, is known as cocobolo. Cocobolo timber is sturdy and yields some very interesting, beautiful figures. The wood is usually cut into veneers for use in inlay work and fine furniture.

It can be found in the Pacific regions of Central America, extending from Panama to southwestern Mexico. The trees grow best in the drier uplands and tend to be small in stature. Cocobolo is usually shipped from growing areas like Costa Rica and Nicaragua in small, round billets. It is most often available in turning blanks or veneer.

The sapwood of cocobolo is so pale it is almost white, but the heartwood is a mix of brilliant colors ranging from deep reds to an attractive mix of streaks and markings of red, black, purple, yellow and orange. Its grain can be straight, but it is also sometimes irregular and wavy. The wood has a fine, medium texture. The wood is heavy, strong, durable and resistant to preservative treatments. Its uses include architectural woodwork, turnery, tool handles, musical and scientific instruments as well as specialty items. Cocobolo contains natural oils that allow the wood to be polished to a finish resembling marble.

Although cocobolo is a fine turning wood and most consider ti easy to work with, sanding and machining the wood produces a fine dust that can cause dermatitis or a poison ivy-like rash. The dust can also cause orange stains when it comes into contact with skin. Take care to protect yourself by wearing a mask, gloves and long sleeves when working with this wood as sensitivity to the dust may increase if skin is exposed.