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General Description: The heartwood has a medium
to dark reddish brown colour. A very attractive material when a fine grain
is present. 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.
Working Properties: Works without difficulty with both hand and
machine tools but the 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.
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