> Last week I asked a questions about wood for a S&G, and thanks to you that
> responded. But those responses and digging further have only opened up
> more questions, and I'm really confused now. Research has shown me that
> okoume and african mahogany are not one and the same. Someone said that
> honduras mahogany and luan were the same, but I've been told differnt by
> someone else. If anyone can answer the following or tell me where to find
> the answers, it would be a great help.

> 1. What is the difference between okoume and african mahogany? 2. Are
> there any real differences between african and honduras mahogany? 3. What
> is luan? Is it a species, a grade, or what?

> I may be making a bigger deal out of this than necessary, but there is a
> big differences in price when purchasing plywood.

> Thanks for you help, Greg

According to Edensaw Lumber "Okoume is a specie of wood which grows in Africa; it is a light to medium mahogany color; its botanical name is Aucoumea Klaineana"

The main things you should look for are NO VOIDS, thicker outside ply's and a higher number of ply's. Voids cause breaks thick outside ply's are harder to sand through and more ply's generally mean a stronger panel.

There is a certification process explained on Edensaw's web site.

Hope this helps, Mikw