Coigue

Report :  extract from 

IMPORT/EXPORT WOOD

PURCHASING NEWS  USA

Vol.27 Nº.3    December/January 2001

What is your favorite  wood ?

By  Gary  Penberthy

COIGUE  ( Nothofagus dombeyi)

Coigue, Nothofagus dombeyi, is found growing along the Chilean coast from 55 degrees to 37 degrees south. Coigue is generally considered the Beech of the Southern hemisphere. There is a great resemblance to European Beech and the Heartwood will vary from pale pinkish brown To reddish or yellowish brown in color. This species has medium hardness and weight and will grow to a height of 130 feet with a  trunk diameter of usually 2-feet to 3-feet and sometimes up to 8 feet.

The boles are quite often clear up to 60 feet. Coigue, is difficult to dry and has a pronounced tendency to collapse and distort. But, if care is taken and the material is dried slowly it will dry well with little degrade. Movement in service is minimal. Coigue is very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. All cutters should be kept  sharp, however, it has a good steam bending quality and is equality easy to glue and finish. Coigue has many applications and is a very versatile species. Used in brigde  building, piers, tanks, silos and retaining walls, it has also been used for fine flooring, parquets, furniture components, cabinet work, cooperage and general all purpose millworks . If color selected , we believe this species could be a good substitute for American Cherry. The light pink hues are quite lustrous, and resemble Cherry. Without color selection this material can be used anywhere you might see Beech, Birch or Cherry. Overall we think the woodworker will be seeing more of this species in the years to come

Coigue