I got what looked like a deal on 4/4 and 5/4 rough shorts (4 feet) of Sapele. I noticed it on a pallet on sale for $3.50 bf as I was leaving a supplier. They had one piece planed down and the sparkle and patterened grain looked nice, like a red mohag. I grabbed a few sticks to try out on a new clock design. Haven't started milling it yet but was wondering what experience anyone has had finishing this species?
I am thinking an oil to pop the sparkle and maybe a ruby shellac to intensify the redness.
Also considering a wash of dye to maybe excentuate the figure. This isn't the pommel or curly or anything special in terms of figure but at least one piece shows some nice stripe-ing through the rough cut.
Can't wait to clean it up and see what comes out.