AFRICAN SAPELE: I
Possibly the most popular African hardwood species. Still very much in demand and remains competitively priced.

Production: S/E, PTW S/E, DIM.

Entandrophragma cylindricum
Family: Meliaceae

Commercial Names: Sapelewood, Aboundikrou and Sapelli.

Distribution: West and East Africa.

General Desription: The heartwood has a medium to dark reddishbrown
colour, characterised by a well-defined ribbon striped figure on quartered surfaces. Sometimes when wavy grain is present, a very attractive fiddleback figure, roe figure occasionally, beautiful mottled figure is obtained. The grain is interlocked or wavy and the texture fairly fine. Has a cedar-like scent when freshly cut. The timber is liable to ring or cup shakes. Weight varies between 560-690kg/m3 (35-43lb/ft3) averages about 620kg/m3 (39lb/ft3); specific gravity .62.

Mechanical Properties: Despite high crushing and medium bending strength and resistance to shock loads, with a low stiffness category, sapele has a poor steam bending classification as the wood buckles and ruptures severely.

Seasoning: Dries fairly rapidly with a marked tendency to distort. Quartered material is less liable to degrade. Medium movement in service.

Working Properties: Works without difficulty with both hand and machine tools but the interlocked grain affects machining properties. It nails, screws and glues well; care is required when staining but it provides an excellent polished finish.

Durability: Moderately durable. The sapwood is liable to attack by powder post beetle and moderately resistant to termites in Africa. The heartwood is resistant to preservative treatment and the sapwood moderately resistant.

Uses: Quality furniture and cabinet making, joinery, shop fitting, office furniture, solid doors, boat building, musical instruments, sports goods, counter tops and flooring. Extensively used as a constructional veneer for plywood and selected logs are sliced for panelling and decorative face veneers for cabinets and marquetry.

JBT Comments: Possibly more Sapele than any other Mahogany species is being used in the U.K. today for joinery and door manufacture. Growers, agents and governments are striving to produce certified timber in this species. As yet nothing is available however it is hoped a suitable Chain of Custody procedure will be available shortly.

Grade: FAS

Specification: Square edge: 8ft and longer, 6ins and wider.

Stockholding: 4000 cubic feet of kiln dried stock available in 1ins, 11/2ins, 2ins, 21/2ins, 3ins and 4ins thickness.