Sapele Wood Pen Blanks – 5" × ¾" Square

Scientific Name: Entandrophragma cylindricum
Common Names: Sapele, Sapelli, Sapele Mahogany, Aboudikro

Origin

Sapele is a majestic hardwood native to the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. It grows across countries including Nigeria (where the name originates from the city of Sapele), Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and extending into parts of East Africa like Uganda and Tanzania. These slow-growing trees can reach impressive heights of 100–150 feet (30–45 m), producing dense, high-quality timber prized worldwide.

Description & Characteristics

Sapele is a versatile and elegant choice for pen turners, often called "African Mahogany" for its rich, warm tones that serve as an excellent mahogany substitute. The heartwood ranges from golden-brown to deep reddish-brown, frequently displaying beautiful ribbon or striped figuring (especially in quartersawn material) that darkens beautifully with age and exposure to light. It has a fine, uniform texture with interlocked grain, giving it excellent stability and a natural luster when finished.

These premium 5" × ¾" square pen blanks are pre-squared, kiln-dried, and hand-selected for quality color and grain. They turn smoothly into classic single-barrel, slimline, or larger pens that develop a sophisticated, timeless appeal.

Turning Tips for Sapele Wood

• Color & Figure: The golden-to-reddish tones and potential ribbon stripe create elegant, professional-looking pens. The color deepens over time for added character.
• Workability: Turns well with sharp carbide or HSS tools at moderate speeds (around 2,000–3,000 RPM). Watch for tear-out due to interlocked grain—light cuts and sharp tools minimize this. It has a pleasant, mild cedar-like scent while turning.
• Sanding & Finishing: Sands to a smooth finish and takes stains, dyes, and most pen finishes (CA glue, friction polish, shellac, etc.) exceptionally well, producing a high luster.
• Dust & Safety: Produces fine dust—use good extraction and a respirator. Moderately dense (Janka hardness ~1,360 lbf) for good durability in finished pens.

Ideal for pen turners seeking a rich, mahogany-like appearance with beautiful figure and reliable turning properties. Sapele creates refined, eye-catching pens that feel substantial and look luxurious in any collection.

Ready to turn something elegant and timeless? Add these Sapele Wood pen blanks to your cart today!