Need Wood ID Help

[t001xa22]

This does not happen to me very often, but I am at a loss for being able to identify this particular wood. I found an interesting blank at a local Rockler store for a new PSI kit I was trying out. The staff at the store could not ID the wood; it came from a "mystery" group of blanks. I paired it up with a new KnurlGT kit from PSI, and I like the outcome. However, I will invariably be asked "what kind of wood is that?", and at present, I will have to shrug shoulders. At first glance, you might think that this is a parallel segmented two-wood joining, but it's not. I am open for suggestions. I have furnished 4 views of the pen to give a better perspective. Thank you all in advance.

 

[low_48]

I'm guessing some kind of mahogany.

 

[t001xa22]

Rich, I can see where you visualize that, especially on the darker layer. I am wondering if the lighter layer might be sapwood of this type.

 

[Swagopenturner]

Kinda hints at Mesquite, maybe?

 

[t001xa22]

Mark, I had not thought about a wood as common to us as mesquite, but you have a good point. I have turned a number of mequite blanks, but I have never seen one showing this kind of color separations. It is definitely a hard wood, but it turned very well. Thank you for your shot at this.

 

[t001xa22]

Mark, after following up on your suggestion, I found numerous images of mesquite, including some spalted pieces. From all that I've seen, it looks like you nailed it. This was a learning process for me. I have lived in TX all my life, and I never saw mesquite look this good. I will be visiting my retail store to get some more. Thanks to you and Rich for helping me out.

 

[rblakemore]

Nice pen, well done; and I like the wood grain a lot;
but, are you sure about mesquite? Even with the possibility of spalting, the grain does not look right.

I wish I had a better idea though.

 

[keithlong]

It is mahogany.

 

[Swagopenturner]

Mesquite goes from a light yellow to a deep dark brown. Grain is usually very tight to medium. The dark areas can be from spalting or checks. Mahogany is still a very good possiblity, but I'll stick with Mesquite.

 

[GaryMGg]

The grain in the 1st and 4th picture suggests Sapele mahogany to me much more than it does mesquite.
Pictures of the end grain would help.
How did it smell when you were turning it?

 

[t001xa22]

Guys, I apologize for the long delay in replying, but family issues came up. Gary, I honestly don't remember what the smell was while turning, but I know it was not unpleasant. Hopefully, we can agree that the wood piece looked good, even as a "stealth" type...LOL.

 

[philb]

Goncalo Alves?

goncalo alves