by Professor Gene Wengert
Q.
One of my customers is using the species called Wawa from Africa. He is having a problem with the finishing. The surface is very rough and has lots of chipping. The timber is KD to 10/12% MC.
What is the recommended cutting and clearance angle for this species? What is the best feeding speed you would recommend to achieve a very smooth surface?
A.
Perhaps more important than knife angles is the feed speed. We look for more than 12 knife marks per inch if we want a good surface and over 20 if we want the best. Otherwise, the rake angle is best about 25 degrees, similar to American oak.
Are you certain about 10% MC? It sounds much drier.
Professor Gene Wengert is Extension Specialist in Wood Processing at the Department of Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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