One of the local woodyards I deal with is trying to sell me some sepale (sp?) for a flat work project I need to do that will also have some turnings on it. It appears to be similar to mahogany but from South America. The price is right and looks like it will work for the flat work portion of the project, but I have never heard anyone mention it for turning. Any one have any input or experience with it?
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Sepale
- Thread starter woodwish
- Start date
Sapele is from Central and West Africa. It is a cousin of Mahogany, but is somewhat softer and lighter. It can be a tad squirrelly at times. but is gaining much favor as a tonewood for guitars. Quilted Sapele could make a beautiful project. I have used it with my guitar work and have turned turkey and duck calls with it. It should turn well for you for legs and finials, but don't expect to hold too much detail.
Pronounced.....Suh-Pee'-Lay......."Suh" like in supper!
Pronounced.....Suh-Pee'-Lay......."Suh" like in supper!
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My local HW dealer has quite a bit of it, I have turned some of it with a Pomelle (Like Quilting) figure to it. I turned a couple of eggs and a birdhouse - they turned out very nice...
Give it a try...
Give it a try...
If you think it will work, why not get a short board and do a glued up block. See how the local version turns with the details you will want in the finished product.