Tamboti Turning Blanks -- woodworking

Due to high demand and limited supply, we cannot always guarantee that this item will be in stock. Turning Blanks come rough sawn to nominal thickness and are coated with wax.

Distribution: Mozambique and throughout the forests of southern and eastern Africa.
Alternate names/spellings: Tambuti, Tambootie, African Sandalwood.
The Tree: Smallish, growing up to about 25 to 40 ft in height, with typical trunk diameters of 4 to 6 in. Deciduous, it thrives in wet, swampy areas.
Heartwood: Light yellow-brown when freshly cut, but turns dark brown upon exposure, eventually aging to a dark reddish brown.
Sapwood: Pale yellow to white. Nice contrast with heartwood.
Texture: Very fine and even, straight-grained, sometimes wavy. Oily feel.
Luster: Somewhat lustrous.
Natural Durability: Heartwood is extremely durable; very resistant to fungi and insects.
Working Characteristics: Due to its density, Tamboti is somewhat difficult to work. This does not stop carvers, however, as the results are stunning. Turners will have no problems whatsoever.
Allergies: The milky resins and dust can cause severe irritation to the skin and eyes. Wear appropriate protective gear. Do not burn the scrap wood, as the smoke can cause headaches and nausea.
Strength: Tamboti is hard, heavy and extremely strong.