Elevate your woodturning with the striking beauty of Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) bowl blanks. Also known as Sapelli or Sapeli Mahogany, this magnificent African hardwood is treasured for its exceptional figure and rich, lustrous appearance. Featuring a medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood with remarkable chatoyance, Sapele commonly displays interlocked grain that produces stunning ribbon stripes on quartered surfaces. Kiln-dried to 6‑7% moisture content, these blanks are dimensionally stable and ready for your finest turning projects — from elegant bowls and platters to jewelry boxes, hollow forms, and decorative vessels that demand visual impact.
Specifications
- Wood Name: Sapele, Sapelli, Sapeli Mahogany
- Botanical Name: Entandrophragma cylindricum
- Length: Available in 4 – 10 inches
- Width: Available in 4 – 10 inches
- Thickness: Available in 2 – 4 inches
- Dried: Yes, Kiln Dried
- Moisture Content: 6‑7%
Features
- Rich medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood with exceptional chatoyance
- Interlocked grain produces stunning ribbon stripes on quartered surfaces
- Medium to high density — excellent durability and stability
- Kiln-dried to 6‑7% MC for immediate use and long-term stability
- Natural luster that polishes to a beautiful, glossy finish
- Often compared to fine mahogany with more dramatic figure
Workability & Performance
- Sharp tools essential: Interlocked grain can tear out if tools are not sharp
- Good turning properties: With sharp tools, cuts cleanly and predictably
- Take light cuts: Helps manage interlocked grain and achieve smooth finish
- Sands beautifully: Responds well to sanding; natural luster emerges quickly
- Finishing: Takes oils and clear coats exceptionally well, enhancing figure
Notes
- Natural variations in grain and figure make each piece unique.
- Ribbon stripe figure becomes more prominent with proper finishing.
- Due to the nature of wood movement, shrinkage and expansion are possible.
- Please measure each piece carefully before starting any project.
- Dimensions are approximate and may vary by ±⅛".
- Photo is representative; you will receive a similar blank.