Anyone work with Sapele wood?

Overmountain

Overmountain

Joined
May 2, 2013
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Hello all, I just was given a big block of sapele wood. Never worked with this stuff before and it seems to be porous across grain and very solid with the grain.
I have seen pictures of very character rich sapele when searching, but this looks to be rather plain side on. Haven't bias cut it yet so can't tell if it would present better that way.
Any pointers for working this stuff to its full potential appreciated.
 
Yep, Have it stabilized. Used it on several pieces and it can have some really nice grain, very curly.
 
I will have it stabilized then. Thanks. Anyone use this "Cactus Juice" stuff as opposed to other resins? I have access to it from a friend, but have only seen it on the fleabay. Previously I have just had stuff done professionally, but I have a stainless vacuum chamber from previous fabrication and thought I might give it a whirl...
I have also soaked softer woods in blonde shellac with mixed results, but this stuff looks really nice and I don't want to pooch it up.
 
Lucy - Don't bother with all the home-brew methods. Send it out to a pro i.e. K&G or WSSI.

Been there, done that..... won't again.

-Peter
 
Sapele has an amazing chatoyance when finished, even in the straight grain pieces. It can be hypnotizing to look at. It is a bit softer than the Honduran Mahogany, and a bit less rot resistant. I have cabinets made from it in my rental house, and my basement doors and trim are sapele.
 
I think I will send it out... I don't even see that cactus juice crap around the bay anymore so guessing it didn't work... just like the others... Would have hated to waste such a nice piece of wood...
Thanks.
 
I just finished a saya out of sapele and echo Willie71's comments. It's a deceptively simple looking wood that when finished shimmers with gold undertones. It's beautiful in an understated way unlike burls and highly figured "busy" woods.

And the smell!!! It has to be the nicest smelling wood to work with. I'm not sure that's not the main reason I chose to use it for the saya.
 
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