Name Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as aspen and trembling aspen.
Sources Grows in north-eastern and north-central United States.
Appearance Straight grained with a fine, uniform texture. Grayish white to grayish brown heartwood and lighter-colored sapwood. Often sold as poplar or cottonwood.
Physical Props Soft, light, and low in strength, stiffness, decay resistance and shock resistance. Dents very easily.
Working Props Easily worked by hand or machine tools. Turns reasonably well.
Uses Used for pallets, boxes, matches, turned articles, veneer, particleboard, and pulpwood.

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Name Australian Oak (Eucalyptus spp.)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Includes three species marketed together - E. delegatensis (alpine ash, white-top, woollybutt), E. obliqua (messmate stringybark, brown-top stringybark), and E. regnans (mountain ash, Victorian ash, stringy gum, swamp gum).
Sources Grows in south eastern Australia.
Appearance Typically straight grained, sometimes interlocked or wavy, with a coarse texture. Narrow, indistinct sapwood and pale brown to light brown heartwood with a pinkish tinge.
Physical Props Moderately heavy to heavy, hard, moderately stiff, high crushing strength, medium bending strength, and moderately high shock resistance. Medium movement in use and decay resistance. Steam-bending rating is moderate at best (E. obliqua).
Working Props Works well with hand or machine tools with only a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges. Glues satisfactorily and holds nails and screws well. Stains and polishes easily and can be brought to an excellent finish.
Uses Used for interior and exterior joinery, building construction, boxes, cooperage, flooring, furniture, sports equipment, agricultral implements, tool handles, plywood, and decorative veneer.
Comments Sold as Australian or Tasmanian oak but not a true oak.

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Name Ayan (Distemonanthus benthamianus)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as movingue, Nigerian satinwood, barre, ayanran, bonsamdua, ejen, and okpe.
Sources Grows in West Africa.
Appearance Straight to interlocked grain, sometimes wavy with fine, even texture and high luster. Lemon-yellow to yellow-brown sapwood and yellowish cream to light golden yellow heartwood.
Physical Props Moderately heavy with medium bending and crushing strength, low stiffness and shock resistance, moderate decay resistance, and very good dimensional stability.
Working Props Can be difficult to machine due to blunting of cutting edges caused by silica in the wood. Gum build-up can also cause over heating. Pre-drilling recommended for screwing and nailing. Glues, stains, and polishes well (with grain filling).
Uses Used for cabinetry, window and door frames, ship fittings, flooring, and decorative veneers.

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