Congo Mahogany Spindle Blanks 70–150mm square × 800mm long

Congo Mahogany feature turning blanks in four cross-sections, ribbon-figure Khaya selected for the lathe. African mahogany at spindle and baluster scale, 800mm length. Limited stock, ships Australia-wide while stocks last.

Congo Mahogany (Khaya spp.), the African mahogany from Congo-Basin supply, milled square for the lathe and selected for visible ribbon stripe. Reddish-brown heartwood, interlocked grain, moderate density, and the ribbon figure that catches the light as you turn through the alternating grain direction.

Feature grade stock, available in four cross-sections at 800mm length. Pulled aside specifically because the figure earns the lathe time. No two pieces are identical.

Why Congo Mahogany for Turning

African mahogany on the lathe is a pleasure. The density sits at the comfortable middle of the turning range, heavy enough to carry at speed without chatter, light enough to turn without dulling tools quickly. The interlocked grain that produces ribbon stripe under a saw also reveals itself on the lathe as you work through the alternating directions, giving the finished surface a shimmer that oil draws out further. For spindle work at stair-baluster scale, lamp stems, and furniture legs where figure matters, feature-grade Khaya is a practical choice that holds its own against more exotic timbers. We don’t get feature-grade turning sections at 800mm in this species regularly. This lot is what landed.

Working Properties

• Hardness: Medium. Comfortable to turn at speed without dulling tools quickly. Holds beads and coves cleanly.
• Grain: Interlocked. Produces ribbon stripe as you turn through it. Sharp tools and steady cuts give the best result.
• Turning: Cuts cleanly on the lathe with a light touch on the skew. Sharp gouges leave a near-finished surface. Glues and joins well for multi-part assemblies.
• Surface: Supplied rough-sawn square section. Mount between centres and rough to round.
• Finishing: Rustins Danish oil applied on the lathe brings up the ribbon figure noticeably. Shellawax Cream for a quick high-gloss spindle finish.

Shipping & Pickup

Ships Australia-wide via Australia Post or Aramex. Pickup from our Mulgrave NSW location Mon–Fri 9am–4pm, Sat 9am–12pm. Freight quotes on the larger cross-sections: call (02) 4577 5277 or email sales@trendtimbers.com.au.

Limited Stock, Once It’s Gone

Feature-grade Khaya in square turning sections at 800mm is not a regular item. These were selected piece by piece for the figure. Fixed quantity across all four cross-sections, no reorders. Listed under From the Stacks. When a size sells through, that variation closes.