Lenga

Report :  extract from 

IMPORT/EXPORT WOOD

PURCHASING NEWS  USA

Vol.27 Nº.3    December/January 2001

What is your favorite  wood ?

By  Gary  Penberthy

Lenga,  ( Nothofagus pumilio  )

  Lenga, Nothofagus pumilio, is found growing along side Coigue with the excepcion being in the northern part of its distribution where the tree grows more as a shrub-sized plant.

  But in the lower regions, the trees will be similar to the other Nothofagus species in size. Lenga is also very difficult to dry, usually requiring two years to air dry to 25 percent to 30 percent. Care must also be taken when kiln drying to avoid collapse. However, once dry, Lenga is dimensionally stable.

The heartwood is very consistent and homogeneous in color. It is mostly light brown with a slight pink or yellow cast. This species is also very close to Beech and Birch in appearance.

 Lenga is very easy to mill with both hand and machine tools and glues and finishes very well. In fact, Lenga is so easy to work and finish that it produces some excellent paneling, flooring, cabinets and casework for the home and office.

It is also used to make furniture, drawers, containers and tool handles. Lenga is considered to be very much like a relative species from that same region.

This  specie are good to become acquainted with and we feel that the woodworker would be well advised to use these often where a medium density light color hardwood is required. Whether these species are used as a replacement for Birch, Beech or Cherry or in their own right, the woodworker would be very pleased with  the outcome.

 Please take some time to get to know this species and use them often. 

Lenga