Thought I'd add a note to this. I built a dining table out of Sapele and used the potassium dichromate as well about 8 years ago. I used Scott's method of raising the grain before applying the chromate. After the chromate, i took some 0000 steel wool and lightly 'burnished' the wood. This really made the ribbon grain come alive; almost 3D looking.
Clark Harbaugh
That really turned out lovely. Great color and a super looking work surface.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
I believe sapele is actually in the magnolia family, i dont know the scientific names so take it for what its worth.