Nogal / Argentine walnut

amen and distribution: The South American walnut tree, also known as nogal in its countries of origin, belongs to the Juglandaceae family. The species Juglans australis (syn. Juglans neotropica) is mainly found in the mountainous regions of the Andes, where it is associated with wood species such as cedro or balsamo. Availability is limited. The mostly well-formed trees with cylindrical trunk shapes are comparable to the related walnut species of North America and Europe.

Wood appearance: Heartwood initially yellowish gray-brown, darkening to black-brown in the light. Medium-sized and scattered pores. Storage cells inconspicuous, arranged as discreet bands between the pores. Growth zones recognizable on the brain section, especially in trees from high altitudes. Specimens from lower altitudes lack this characteristic. Interlocked growth occasionally present, otherwise straight-grained, seldom figured, decorative, but darker and generally more homogeneous than North American walnut. Basic color like panga-panga.

Properties: The density at u=12% is 0.62 (0.61…0.67) t/m³. The shrinkage from the fresh state to 12% residual moisture is specified as 5.2% tangential and 2.7% radial. Drying is not unproblematic and must be done slowly. There is a risk of cell collapse, but also of deformation and cracking during technical drying of thicknesses over 26 mm. Nogal can only be machined with increased force, carbide-tipped tools are recommended. Planed and turned surfaces have an attractive sheen. The Brinell hardness is 30, about the same as that of North American walnut. The modulus of elasticity averages 7,000 ^N/mm2 and the flexural strength is^given as 63 N/mm2.
Nogal is conditionally weatherproof, but is not used outdoors.

Use: Wood for interior fittings, parquet flooring, wood for woodturning

Replaces: other walnut woods and wengé / panga-panga

Note: according to the latest findings, but excluding any liability