RED MERANTI - Woodturning (ASMR)

Red Meranti Tree: Red Meranti refers to a group of tree species within the Shorea genus of the Dipterocarpaceae family, primarily found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand. These trees, such as Shorea curtisii and Shorea pauciflora, are known for their impressive size, typically growing to heights of 65-130 feet (20-40 meters) with trunk diameters of 3-6 feet (1-2 meters), and some reaching up to 200 feet with branch-free sections up to 90 feet, making them ideal for producing large lumber boards. Red Meranti trees feature elliptic, rough leaves up to 12 inches long, ranging from light to dark green or yellow, and their seeds contain high oil content used for cattle feed or fuel. While not listed in CITES Appendices, many Shorea species are critically endangered on the IUCN Red List due to overexploitation and habitat loss, with populations declining over 80% in recent generations.

Red Meranti Woodworking Properties: Red Meranti, often called Philippine Mahogany or Lauan, is a versatile hardwood valued for its workability and aesthetic appeal in woodworking, particularly for indoor applications like furniture, cabinetry, and joinery. It has a dark reddish to purplish-brown heartwood with white resin streaks, a coarse texture, and straight to interlocked grain, which can complicate planing but yields a smooth finish when sanded. The wood is moderately durable, with decent decay resistance but susceptibility to insect attacks, making it less ideal for untreated outdoor use. It machines well, glues, stains, and finishes effectively, though its high density (around 860 kg/m³ for Dark Red Meranti) and silica content can dull tools, requiring carbide-tipped cutters. Pre-drilling is recommended for screws to prevent splitting, and special oils are advised for finishing due to its resin content and paint absorption. Red Meranti is widely used for plywood, veneer, boatbuilding, and decorative projects like paneling and flooring due to its strength, stability, and affordability.