Is Makore (African Cherry) similar in color to actual Cherry?

Hi Damian;

I use a fair amount of quilted Makore. Here’s a desk I did to match a home office we built for the same client.

You can see the veneer before and after the finish. The solid wood is Mahogany.

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Custom_Desk_-_page_six.html

There are a couple pictures of the home office on this page:

http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com/Braggin_Board.html

The library wall in the header photo is also Makore.

I hope this helps.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Hey Lee, I actually saw those projects yesterday when I was researching Makore (and was once again stunned how great your work is) but I still couldn’t picture it in comparison to Cherry (with say just an oil finish).

Specifically I was thinking of using Makore for the top of a sideboard edged with Cherry and then the sides/drawer panels done with a figured Cherry. Do you think that would make for a good pairing?

http://certainlywood.com/detail.cfm?ID=2620
http://certainlywood.com/detail.cfm?ID=2244

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

I have used quite a lot of quilted makore veneer through the years, and it is closer to mahogany in color. That being said, the slight contrast in color would look nice if it fits the style of the piece.

-- Julian, Park Forest, IL

Another question Lee, with regards veneering, if I was to veneer figured cherry over a substrate that had cherry edging (like you did with the maple over mahogany/mdf/honeycomb) how visible would the glue line be if I then proceeded to round it over?

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Hi Damian,

Makore is closer in color to that of African Mahogany or Sapele. So if your intent is to use a solid that is close in color to Makore then Mahogany would be closer in color.

PS. that Figured Cherry is gorgeous from Certainlywood.

-- Brian, Folsom, CA http://www.brianfullerdesigns.com

Hey Damian
Here is a web site with Thousands of photos of wood when you need a comparison. http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/

Jim

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop, custom furniture maker, woodworking school, heirloomwoodshop.com

Thanks for the input guys.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

Hi Damian;

I really can’t say. As everyone has mentioned, Mahogany makes a much better match. The cherry veneer is fantastic.

As far as a glue line showing, I haven’t had any problems with that happening. If I’m using a urea resin glue, I will use a powder that’s close in color. Using the iron on method, the glue line is clear, so no problem there either.

Joe Woodworker’s site has veneer glue that’s available in three different colors. You should try out the new veneer tape from him also. Very convenient, and a big time saver.

Let me know how you decide to go.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

Okay, I think I’ll skip the Makore because I definitely want to use the cherry, and I don’t want it getting too busy, and thanks for the info regards the glue line. Looking forward to getting going on this think I’m going with option #3 (it was the customers – my wife – favorite) but with the spots for wine.

-- I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it. - Pablo Picasso

I think it’s a great decision

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com