African olivewood (olea capensis) The heartwood is often pale to medium brown with irregular streaks that vary from brown to dark-brown and dark grey. The sapwood is generally pale yellow. Wood has excellent strength properties. Material can be difficult to work due to interlocked grain...
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African olivewood (olea capensis) The heartwood is often pale to medium brown with irregular streaks that vary from brown to dark-brown and dark grey. The sapwood is generally pale yellow. Wood has excellent strength properties. Material can be difficult to work due to interlocked grain and oily surface of the wood. Olivewood needs care when drying to avoid checking or honeycombing, especially with thicker material. Glues well, recommended pre-boring needed when nailing. Moderate blunting effect to cutting tools. Polishes up well and gives a smooth even finish. Olivewood is used for sculpture and carving work, decorative turnings, inlay, and high end custom furniture.Larger blocks are +- 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.
Due 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.
- Medium brown with irregular streaks
- Turns well
- Finishes well
- Olivewood, 3" x 3" x 12"
Due 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.
Articles & Blogs

Woodsense: Spotlight on Olivewood
Add flavor to your next project with this rich and rare wood.
Reviews
3 Reviews
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nice wood
This made a lovely Peppermill!, just take your time, let it dry Shrinkage was min. Will buy this again!!!
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Very wet wood
For drawer fronts or other cabinet uses this stock should be be resawed to a suitable thickness to allow for shrinkage while 61.9%MC moves to <9%MC.
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I am very pleased with it.
I will use it in turning segmented wooden bowls.