Sapele mahogany pen blanks -5/8"

Sapele mahogany pen blanks – 5/8" square by 5" (16 mm x 16 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 the blanks?

Each blank measures approximately 5/8" square by 5" long (16 mm x 16 mm x 127 mm), making them ideal for slimmer pens and small 7 mm projects where a lighter profile is preferred. The blanks shown are a representative sample. Each blank is unique and may vary slightly in colour and grain.

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.