Distribution: The
geographical range of Sapele is reported to extend from the
Ivory Coast to the Cameroon, eastward through Zaire to Uganda.
It is reported to be found in different forest types, including
deciduous, evergreen, and transitional zones.
General Characteristics: Sapele
is a large rain forest tree from Africa. It is reported
to grow to heights of 150 feet (45 m), with trunk diameters
of 48 to 72 inches (120 to 180 cm). Boles are usually clear
and cylindrical to heights of 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30
m). The heartwood is pink when freshly cut, but it matures
to a red-brown or purple-brown color; The sapwood is gray-pink
or cream in color. Texture is typically moderately fine;
the grain is moderately interlocked or wavy. Quarter cut
Sapele is reported to yield a ribbon, regular stripe or
bee's wing. Other cuts feature various desirable patterns,
including fiddlebacks, roe or a mottled design, especially
in wood containing wavy grain; Luster is described as high
and golden. The wood has a cedar-like scent that remains
even after long exposure.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) 0.62; air-dry density 42
pcf.
Working Properties: The
wood has a low resistance to sawing. The material is reported
to be generally easy to plane, but interlocked material
has a tendency to tear. This wood is reported to respond
fairly well to turning operations, and works to yield relatively
smooth surfaces. Interlocked grain may cause tearing in
moulding. A reduced cutting angle is suggested for best
results. Boring properties are reported to be good. The
material is reported to be easy to rout.
The timber is reported to respond to mortising operations,
with only slight dulling effect on cutting edges. The wood
is reported to carve easily. The wood glues fairly well.
Nailing and nail holding characteristics are reported to
be good. The wood has good screwing and screw-holding properties.
Sanding characteristics are rated as very good. Polishing
characteristics are reported to be excellent. The wood
is reported to stain well, but requires some care. Varnishing
properties are rated as good. Painting properties are rated
as good. Steam bending properties are reported to be rather
poor. Response to hand tools is reported to be generally
good.
Durability: The wood is
reported to be susceptible to pinhole borer, and marine
borer attack. The sapwood is reported to be readily attacked
by powder post beetle, but it is moderately resistant to
African termites.
Preservation: The heartwood
is nearly untreatable, while the sapwood is moderately
resistant to preservatives.
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