What to look for in selecting Bubinga

[ear3]

I'm going to be picking up a board or two of Bubinga for a commission I'm working on.  I've never worked with it before, so I'm just wondering what to look for or avoid when it comes to grain structure or otherwise.  I'd be getting rough stock and dressing it myself, with final dimensions needed about 6-8" wide pieces in lengths of 24-30" (and around 1" thick").

 

[leakyroof]

I've worked with a bit of it over the years. Usually I have great success with it, grain runs the way I'm need it to, color and patterns are good.
Stable, glues well, machines well. So, no complaints from me... [big grin]
I'm betting you'll be fine.

 

[peter halle]

I love everything about bubinga except the cost.  I have enjoyed clean cuts and routes.

Peter

 

[Michael Kellough]

I'm going to be picking up a board or two of Bubinga for a commission I'm working on.  I've never worked with it before, so I'm just wondering what to look for or avoid when it comes to grain structure or otherwise.  I'd be getting rough stock and dressing it myself, with final dimensions needed about 6-8" wide pieces in lengths of 24-30" (and around 1" thick").

Funny that you're using Bubinga pieces of those dim/proportions because that Bubinga comes from the mill in such large pieces that you could almost change inches to feet and still find it. Wouldn't want to ship it though...Hearne Hardwoods

 

[HarveyWildes]

If you can pick and choose pieces, you might find curly/quilted bubinga, which finishes nicely.  Another feature of bubinga is that it holds its color nicely.  I have a 15 year old bubinga table that looks the same is it did new, which is to say awesome.