Properties and Uses

Ramin

The Standard Malaysian Name for the timber of Gonystylus spp. (Thymelaeaceae). The timber is a light hardwood with a density of 530–785 kg m^-3 air dry. The sapwood is lighter in colour than and is poorly defined from the heartwood, which is white to creamy yellow. Texture is moderately fine and even, with shallowly interlocked grain. The timber is moderately strong (Strength group C). It is easy to saw, cross-cut and plane and the surfaces produced are smooth. The timber is easy to bore but the finish is rough. The nailing property is rated as poor, but the resistance to splitting will be improved if the nails used are clinched. The timber seasons fairly slowly, with moderate cupping, bowing, surface-checking and staining as the main sources of degrade. 13 mm boards take 3.5 months to air dry, while 38 mm boards take 4 months. Shrinkage is high, especially in the tangential direction. Radial shrinkage averages 1.6% while tangential shrinkage averages 3.4%. For kiln-drying, Schedule C or B is recommended. Timbers of more than 40 mm in thickness are prone to surface-checking and end-splitting and the milder Schedule B is more suitable. The timber is non-durable but is easily treated with preservatives.

USES: The timber has established a reputation as a first class joinery timber. The timber is suitable for furniture manufacture, panelling, flooring, stringers and stair threads, wooden mathematical instruments, drawing boards, toys, turnery and rotary peeled plywood.

Vernacular names applied include ramin (P.M., Sab. and Sar.) with various epithets, dara elok (P.M.), the old trade name melawis (P M.), pinang baik (P.M.) and pinang muda (P.M.). Major species include G. affinis, G. bancanus, G. brunnescens, G. confusus and G. maingayi.