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Unique
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GILMER WOOD COMPANY 800# 1-888-667-3979 |
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This member
of the Laurel family is found throughout S.E. Asia. The tree grows to
heights of 60-100 feet with diameters of 2-4 feet. Like other genera
in the family, Cinnamomums are evergreen trees with more or less aromatic
leaves, bark, and wood and in the case of Camphorwood a very strong,
spicy scent. The scent is said to persist for hundreds of years. Heartwood
is light yellow-brown, reddish, or sometimes light chocolate with a
lighter colored, not clearly distinct sapwood. Camphor, a once important
oil before it was synthesized, is obtained by wet distillation of the
wood and leaves. 20-40 pounds of chips produce about 1 pound of camphor
oil. The oil is used for hardening nitrocellulose plastics and is also
used in pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and in explosives. The oil is
corrosive to ferrous metals so be careful not to leave the wood on machine
surfaces. The wood dries readily with a slight tendency to warp, but
once dry it is stable in use. In the Far East it is highly prized for
clothes chests, trunks, and wardrobes, for it has a reputation for repelling
moths and other insects. At one time it was a capital punishment for
illegally cutting down a tree. Sailor’s chests were formerly made
from or lined with camphorwood because it was believed to have preservative
properties. The Camphor burls are extremely rare and most of the world’s
production goes to Japan where it is sliced into veneers for automobile
dashboards and other decorative accessories. Koreans also use the burl
in elaborate frame and panel wall coverings. It was only because of
the economic slowdown in Asia that gave us the opportunity to purchase
a small parcel of this incredibly figured burl. Sizes vary from small
blocks and squares weighing several pounds to bowl blanks 10 x 24 x
24”
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