Thankfully for lovers of mahogany, there are many alternatives on the market. One popular, affordable choice is African mahogany in the Khaya genus. The heartwood is a light pink-brown that darkens when cut to a reddish brown. It has a medium to coarse texture and a straight to interlocked grain, which can yield a striped or roe figure. The wood finishes well and has a lustrous quality. African mahogany is used for furniture and cabinetry, paneling, boat building, veneer, office and shop fixtures, interior joinery, staircase banisters, handrails and domestic flooring. Larger blocks are sawn to +/- 1/4" of size listed, smaller blocks +/- 1/8". Spindle stock (1-1/2" - 2") dimensions are +/- 1/8". Grain runs with the longest dimension.
Easy to work, glue, and finishThe grain can be straight, irregular, or interlockedMachines well, excellent for turningModerate blunting effect to cutting toolsPremier carving woodDue to the nature of wood movement, shrinkage and expansion are possible. Please measure each piece carefully before starting any project.
Wood is a product of nature, and as such, no two pieces are alike to start with, while the same wood growing in different locales can vary greatly even though it is the exact same species.
Thin Stock. The thin stock is cut to size from quality, kiln-dried stock. Dimensions are +/- 1/8" of size listed.
Carving and Turning Blocks. Blocks are sawn to +/- ¼" of size listed.
Plywood. Sizes are nominal. Dimensions are +/- 1/8" of size listed.