Bearings, bushings, cogs and pulleys
Bearings, bushings, cogs and pulleys timber is used in precision mechanical and engineering applications where wood components are required to transfer motion, reduce friction or absorb load within moving systems. These uses are found in traditional machinery, waterwheels, early industrial equipment, textile machines, pumps and heritage mechanical systems, where timber parts such as gears and bearings play a functional role in controlled mechanical movement.
This application requires extremely dense, hard-wearing timber with excellent dimensional stability, low friction characteristics and strong resistance to wear under continuous contact. Species such as Lignum Vitae are highly prized for bearings and bushings due to their natural self-lubricating oils and exceptional density, allowing smooth, long-lasting performance under heavy loads. Hornbeam is widely used for cogs and mechanical components because of its toughness, fine grain and resistance to abrasion, while Pear offers a stable, close-grained alternative suited to precision-machined parts where accuracy and smooth operation are essential.
Hornbeam
Lignum Vitae
Pear
