Utilisation of Savanna Tree Species : Planing Characteristics of Anogeisus leiocarpus (Kane) and Khaya senegalensis (Khaya)

Abstract

As part of efforts to promote the use of savanna tree species in Ghana, the planing characteristics of Anogeisus leiocarpus (Kane) and Khaya senegalensis (Khaya) were studied.

Kane and Khaya have been found to differ widely in planing q ualities, Kane having poor qualities and graded as Class ill species, and Khaya of good qualities and graded as Class U species. Cutting angle and feed speed have been found to significantly affect the planing qualities of the two savanna species. Whereas the wood of Khaya planed best at a cutting angle of 20", a cutting a ngle of 15° was most suitable for planing Kane. Both Kane and Khaya were found to plane best using a moderate feed speed of 9 m/min compared with feed speeds of 6 m/min and 14 m/min. Low moisture content resulted in improved quality of planed surfaces in both species. Wood samples at 6% moisture content planed best foUowed by those at 12% and 18% in that order. Torn grain planing defect was more predominant in wood samples at low moisture content than in those at high moisture content

Khaya's good planing qualities and its attractive reddish brown colour, make it recommendable for furniture and cabinet manufacture, end uses to which the Mahogany spp. are preferred. Kane is, however, not recom­ mended for purposes for which surface quality is of high importance.