Calantas - Cedrela calantas

Calantas  is a medium to large hardwood attaining 40m in height, with grey to grey-brown bark, which is shed in thin patches. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea.

  • The heartwood is light red to red brown with the sapwood being a sharply defined pink- grey colour.
  • Figure prominent on back-sawn faces due to ring-porosity. The grain is straight or interlocked and wavy with a moderately coarse and uneven texture.  Also the timber possesses medium rays, distinct to the naked eye.
  • The timber dries rapidly but care is required due to the risk of internal checking and collapse.
  • Cedar Hardwood is easy to work with hand and machine tools if blades are kept sharp. Decorative uses including, paneling, doors, joinery, furniture and carving as well as for Piano cases, boat and ship interiors, veneers and turnery.
Names
Family:
Meliaceae
Species:
Cedrela calantas
Standard Trade Names:
Cedar Hardwood
Calantas
Other Names:
Surian (Indonesia, Malaysia), Kalantas, Limpaga, New Guinea cedar
PROPERTIES
Density:
480 Kg/m3 @ 12% m.c
Colour:
Light red to red brown.
Texture:
Moderately Course.
Grain:
Straight or Interlocked, sometimes wavy.
Figure:
Prominent on back sawn faces.
Durability:
Class 3: Moderately Durable
Permeability:
Class 1: Permeable to pressure impregnation
WORKABILITY
General:
Very soft and easy to work with if blades are kept sharp.
Sawing:
Easy
Planing:
Easy to work with can be inclined to be woolly.
Blunting:
Low
Boring:
Easy
Turning:
Turns easy.
Nailing:
Gluing:
Can be difficult in occasional material exhibiting resin exudation.
Finishing:
Stains, polishes and paints well, except for occasional material exhibiting resin.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Strength:
SD7
Structural Grade:
F15(select grade)
Hardness(Janka):
0.0kN (seasoned), 4.0kN (unseasoned).
Max. Crushing Strength:
30MPa (seasoned), 32Mpa (unseasoned).
Modulus of Elasticity:
8.0GPa (seasoned), 14GPa (unseasoned).
Modulus of Rupture:
45MPa (seasoned), 56MPa (unseasoned).
SEASONING
General:
Seasons well, care is needed due to risk of internal checking.
Movement:
Very low
Shrinkage:
High