SAPELE

Entandrophragma cynlindricum

Shown with water-based finish (top), and oil-based finish (bottom)

APPEARANCE

COLOR: Medium to dark red-brown; darkens over time.
GRAIN: Fine, interlocked.
VARIATIONS WITHIN SPECIES AND GRADES: Quartersawn material has a ribbon-striped effect.

PROPERTIES

HARDNESS (JANKA): 1500 (16% harder than Northern red oak).
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: Above average (7.4; 14% more stable than Northern oak).

WORKABILITY

SAWING/MACHINING: Saws easily.
NAILING: No known problems.
SANDING: Sands satisfactorily if correct sanding sequence is followed.

Suggested Sequence

First Cut: 50 at a 7-15 degree angle with the grain
Second Cut: 80 straight with the grain
Third Cut: 100
Hard Plate: 100 or 120
First Screen: 100 or 120
Second Screen: 150

FINISHING: Staining may over-darken the wood. No known finishing problems.

ORIGIN

Africa.

AVAILABILITY

Moderately available.