Sapele Mahogany pen blanks

Sapele mahogany pen blanks – 3/4" square by 5" (19 mm x 19 mm x 127 mm)

Bring rich colour and natural movement to your next pen with these sapele mahogany pen blanks. Sapele is a durable hardwood from tropical Africa, valued as an elegant alternative to traditional mahogany with added visual character.

It features a deep red-brown, cappuccino tone and an interlocked grain that produces a subtle ribbon or wavy shimmer once finished. On the lathe, sapele turns cleanly and rewards sharp tools with a smooth surface and excellent chatoyance.

What size are these blanks?

Each blank measures approximately 3/4" square by 5" long (19 mm × 19 mm × 127 mm). This is the standard size for most pen kits, giving you enough material for turning and trimming. Each blank is selected at random and may vary slightly from the image shown.

What makes sapele a good choice for pen turning?

Sapele is moderately dense and stable, making it a reliable wood for drilling, turning, and finishing. Its interlocked grain adds visual interest, especially under a high-gloss finish.

What finish works best?

Sapele takes a wide range of finishes well. For a high-gloss result, we recommend sanding through progressive grits, polishing with Micro-Mesh, and finishing with a plastic polish like Novus or One-Step. A cyanaoacrylate glue finish is also an excellent option if you prefer a durable, glass-like shine.

Fun facts about sapele

• Sapele is sometimes called “African mahogany,” but it is actually a different species and belongs to the Entandrophragma genus, not true mahogany (Swietenia).
• Because of its interlocked grain, sapele can produce striking ribbon, quilted, or even pommele figure, making it a favourite for high-end furniture and musical instruments.

Price is per blank, in Canadian dollars.