Bacote

Description

1/8″ x 3″ x 24

Native to Mexico and Central/South America, though certain species occur in Africa

Bocote (Cordia spp.) has a yellowish brown body with dramatic dark brown to almost black stripes. Color tends to darken with age. Also, the grain patterning can be quite striking, particularly on flatsawn areas. It’s not uncommon to see many “eyes” and other figuring in Bocote; though unlike knots, they do not seem to present any special challenges in machining. Some species may contain silica that will dull cutters. On the whole, Bocote is easily worked and machined with good results. Common uses include fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, veneer, boat-building, musical instruments, gunstocks, turned objects, and other small specialty wood items.