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Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Distribution Overview Drying Defects Ease of Drying Family Name Grain Kiln Drying Rate Kiln Schedules Luster Natural Durability Numerical Data Polishing References Regions of Distribution Response to Hand Tools Scientific Name Strength Properties Synonyms Texture Trade Name Tree Size Turning		Scientific Name Acacia catechu Trade Name Baga Family Name Leguminosae Synonyms Mimosa catechu, Mimosa catechuoides, Mimosa sundra, Acacia sundra Common Names Baga, Black catechu, Cacciu, Cachu, Calto, Cutch tree, Indian acacia, Kadira, Kagli, Karan-galli, Karnagalli, Katechubaum, Ker, Kergli, Khair, Khayer, Khehiree, Kheriya baral, Khoira, Khoiru, Khuera, Koir, Lal-khair, Nalla sandra, Nya, Othalei, Pau-ferro, Rat kihiri, Sandra, Sha, Shaji, Shalein, Shemi, Sundra, Telle tumma, Tun-sa-se, Worthlay, Zunda Regions of Distribution Oceania and S.E. Asia Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Bangladesh, Burma, India, Pakistan, Thailand Common Uses Agricultural implements, Boat building (general), Boat building: framing, Boxes and crates, Cabinetmaking, Charcoal, Chemical derivatives, Food containers, Fuelwood, Furniture, Heavy construction, Light construction, Mine timbers, Poles, Posts, Railroad ties, Tool handles Distribution Overview Cutch is native to central and east Africa, southern Asia, Bhutan, Burma China (Guangdong, Guangxi Yunnan and southern Zhejiang), India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan. Grain Straight Interlocked Even Straight Interlocked Texture Medium Coarse Medium to coarse Medium Luster Medium Low Lustrous Dull Natural Durability Very durable Durable Resistant to marine borers Resistant to termites Very durable Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Resistant to attack from marine borers Durable Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed Drying Defects Splitting Moderate end spitting Ease of Drying Slowly Kiln Drying Rate Naturally dries slowly Tree Size Bole length is 0-10 m Tree height is 10-20 m Tree height is 20-30 m Tree height is 30-40 m Comments General finishing qualities are rated as good Cutting Resistance Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw Cutting Resistance with dry wood is difficult Response to Hand Tools Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work Difficult to machine Turning Fairly Easy to Very Easy Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Easy to turn Good results Polishing Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Satisfactory results Good results Strength Properties Shrinkage, Tangential = very small Shrinkage, Radial = very small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high Max. crushing strength = high Bending strength (MOR) = high Shrinkage, Volumetric = small Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact strength) = medium Hardness (side grain)= hard Hardness (side grain) = very hard Density (dry weight) = 61 - 67 lbs/cu. ft Density (dry weight)= 53 - 60 lbs/cu. ft Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 13576 20956 psi Density 58 lbs/ft3 Hardness 2628 lbs Impact Strength 40 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 6899 9945 psi Shearing Strength 2847 psi Stiffness 2167 2494 1000 psi Weight 57 47 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 4 % Volumetric Shrinkage 6 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 954 1473 kg/cm2 Density 929 kg/m3 Hardness 1192 kg Impact Strength 101 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 485 699 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 200 kg/cm2 Stiffness 152 175 1000 kg/cm2 Weight 913 753 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 2 % Tangential Shrinkage 4 % References Bakshi, B.K., Et al,1961,A Note on Decay Resistance of Teak, Shisham and Khair,Indian Forester 87(1) pp40-1 Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun,1973,Indian Timbers - Khair,Forest Research Institute and Colleges, Dehru Dun Information Series No.12 Freitas, M.C.P.G. de,1963,Maderas da India Portuguesa,Lisbon Mem. Junta de Invest. do Ultramar,No.47 Limaye, V.D.,1957,Grouping of Indian Timbers and Their Properties, Uses and Suitability.,Indian Forest Records (N.S. Timber Mechanics Vol.1 No.2) Pearson, R.S., Brown, H.P.,1932,Commercial Timbers of India,Govt. Printer Calcutta,2 vols Purushotam, A., Et al,1953,Wood Preservation in India (past, present and future,Indian Forest Bulletin (N.5, 168 Ramesh, Rao K., Purkayastha, S.K.,1972,Indian Woods - Their Identification Properties and Uses,Dehra Dun India,Vol. 3 Rawat, B.S., Rawat, N.S.,1960,Physical and Mechanical properties of woods tested at the Forest Research,Institute, Dehra Dun Report XI,Indian Forestry Records (NS) Timber Mechanics 1(12) Sial, N.M.,1955,A review of Acacia catechu and its products with particular reference to,Pakistan,Pakistan Journal of Forestry 5(1) pp23-32 Streets, R.J.,1962,Exotic Forest Trees in the British Commonwealth,Clarendon Press Oxford Tewari, M.C., Jain, J.C.,1980,Utilization of Secondary Species,Journal of the National Building Organization 25(2) pp1-6