Anyone ever turn Sapele? Wondering if it turns easily and comes out well?
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Sapele?
- Thread starter Mark Jundanian
- Start date
I’ve turned a couple items from Sapele, both came out great! No problems turning.
We get scraps of Sapele from boat restoration work. The small dry pieces we find make great stoppers and pens. To me it turns easier than walnut and oak.
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One of our club members brings a pickup of cutoffs from a cabinet shop every other meeting.
Sapele, oak, maple, poplar....
Turns well. Most pieces are not very interesting unless you add the interest.
Two Sapele handles on Jamieson gouges
I finished Seed jar form awaiting a design
Sapele, oak, maple, poplar....
Turns well. Most pieces are not very interesting unless you add the interest.
Two Sapele handles on Jamieson gouges
I finished Seed jar form awaiting a design
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Even with my less than ideal sharpening techniques I had no problem with Sapele. I bought a grab bag of it from Woodcraft last time they had it on sale. Still have the small little pen blanks that were in there.
Not very interesting... Then try looking at some pics of exotic 'Pomele Sapele'.
Here's an example from Pinterest. I have no doubt the turning blank for this bowl cost someone a lot of money.
Reminded me of Mahogny. Turned easily. I like the look of this platter turned from a 16 inch wide X 2 inch thick plank
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Bobby that change is called Chatoyance (pronounced sha-toy-ance). A french word meaning cat's eye for the way the grain appears to move below the surface..Many woods can have this effect due to grain structure. Oh and nice bowl.
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The Lord blessed me with an abundance of Sapele cut offs from a local milling company. I gave the owner a really fine 18" salad bowl and he gave me all his cut off's and most was sapele. It turns wonderfully and it is even good to pierce. Finishes beautifully Here are few pieces from sapele. The quartersawn lumber gives you the shimmering look
