Makore - Tieghemella heckelii
Continuing the theme of wide plank platters, today’s entry is makore. I’ve had this plank for at least 7 or 8 years. I have made four platters from this plank previously. Makore is very expensive, especially when it is figured like this plank is.
Makore is from Western and Middle Africa (from Sierra Leone to Gabon). It grows to 180-200 ft (55-60 m) tall, 4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m) trunk diameter. It is sometimes called African Cherry but it is not from the cherry family. It has a high silica content which I can attest to. I had to sharpen my gouge five or six times turning this platter.
The high silica content has a side benefit, it makes the wood really shine when sanded to 1500 grit, which I do. The grain is interlocked on this piece leading to the mottled or quilted figure. It is chatoyant, like a cat’s eye marble and shimmers in the light.
Below are pictures of all five dating back nine years.
Makore Platter #497 SOLD OUT
Makore Platter #498 SOLD OUT
Makore Platter #1415 SOLD OUT
Makore Platter #1945 SOLD OUT
#2033 Quilted Makore Wooden Platter