Mahogany is one of the most beautiful woods known. You don't need to be an expert in architectural furniture, appreciate the beauty of it, because even the flattest boards, their dark and red shades look amazing. Since the 16th century, mahogany has been found to have many qualities, not only for the finest furniture manufacturing. If you use mahogany for woodworking, you should know several aspects of this type of wood.
Type of mahogany
When making a mahogany project, you should know that there are four Latin American species belonging to the genus Switennia. You have bigleaf mahogany, Caribbean mahogany, Venezuelan mahogany and Honduran mahogany. If you choose the type you should use, you will find that most experts will strongly recommend bigleaf because it is called "real" mahogany. Mahogany can also be named by caoba or acajou and has a higher value as a precious wood type.
The benefits of using mahogany
If you are looking for a wood that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also easy to use, you will not regret using the mahogany for the project. Most woodworkers say that mahogany is easy to handle, whether you use manual or electric tools. Unlike some types of hardwood, mahogany is easy to use with glue, screws and nails. When it comes to stains, mahogany is excellent and can bring you beautiful high gloss. When you use mahogany heartwood for woodworking, you will be impressed with its ruggedness and durability, which you can use for veneers, boat decks and almost anything.
Buy mahogany
When purchasing wood, check out the National Hardwood Timber Association's Timber Ratings and specify the requirements for FAS or FAS single-sided grades as these are top-notch indicators of hardwood quality.
You should also check the price range and always ask the hardwood dealer for advice. Go to different stores and dealers to compare price differences between grade ratings. It will help you determine if the project you are working on really needs the highest level of mahogany because it can also be more expensive.
Age is really important, so how does it affect your project? Compare tones - If it's freshly cut, you'll find red to pale pink or even yellow. If you want an older variety, look for a deep red to brown variety.
Correct grinding and finishing mahogany
Keep in mind that gradual polishing is the key to woodworking when using mahogany. Start with 120 grids and make a decision whether you want a very smooth surface and close the pores on your wood grain. If you are using wood filler, read the instructions when mixing with the paint thinner. The filler is usually completely dried for at least 24 hours and then re-polished using a 150 grit sandwich.
Once you've finished polishing, use a dyed brush or even a regular cotton cloth to apply your stains - be sure to wipe off any excess stains. Finally, use a protective coating such as trung oil, shellac or polyurethane to complete your masterpiece.
Orignal From: Carpentry and mahogany - tips for working with popular wood species
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