Bocote Turning Blanks

Bocote showcases bold patterning and dramatic stripes. Its golden brown backdrop is interspersed with deep chocolate veins and it has a fine texture that polishes beautifully. Despite its distinctive grain pattern, Bocote is delightfully easy to turn. These turning blanks are available in an assortment of sizes for bowls, platters, carvings, bottle stoppers, chess pieces, tool handles, table legs, spindles, finials, candlesticks and whatever else your imagination can conjure up!

Due to high demand and limited supply, we cannot always guarantee that this item will be in stock. Native to Central America and the West Indies. Color: Golden brown heartwood with dark stripes; sapwood is pale. Grain: Fairly straight. Very hard and heavy. Extremely resistant to rot and insect damage.

Customer Reviews and Photos for: Bocote Turning Blanks Average Rating: 4.8 (5 customer reviews) Add your review...

1) Submitted by Rev. Dr. Marshall W. Snead, from San Diego, CA on 6/27/2009 Customer Rating: I don't actually use these blanks for turning, I use them to hand carve one off handles for my files and knives, and also for letter openers and key chains for gifts. I also keep pieces on hand for making trim pieces for boxes of all nature. I too find it difficult to drill, but my carving knives and chisels seem to maintain a good edge throughout each piece with only need for stropping between pieces.

2) Submitted by John Horrocks, from Milford, CT on 3/7/2009 Customer Rating: This wood turns well but is difficult to drill, you must continually clean the drill bit. It gives off a pleasant aroma when it is worked. It is a very hard wood which works well for my oyster knives. The piece that I recieved has nice pronounced grain. The color is dark brown and one of my knives came out with a very slight green tint, barley noticeable. I would highly recommend this wood. Kwaak oyster knife (click to see full-size picture in new window)

3) Submitted by Caleb Shuler, from Arcata, CA on 10/10/2008 Customer Rating: I was very surprised by Bocote. The grain pattern is awesome. Easy to cut, no nicks just a really good quality wood that's fun to work with.

4) Submitted by Mills, from Columbia, SC on 1/2/2011 Customer Rating: Bocote is a great wood to turn, and although it is a hardwood- in my opinion it is a very soft one. I have always been pleased with the Bocote I order from Rockler and have done so numerous times. Frankly, I think their supply of Bocote usually looks much better than other suppliers I have tried. Typically their price for it is also lower.

5) Submitted by Robert Johnson, from Freeport, ME on 9/30/2008 Customer Rating: Wonderful wood to work with, by far one of my favorites. The grain pattern pops right out with the application of wax. Plus, it smells like dill pickles!