Tamarind Spindle Blank

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a wonderfully characterful tropical hardwood that is as visually interesting as it is satisfying to turn. Native to tropical Africa and widely cultivated across Asia and the Americas, the blanks we stock are cut from the pale, creamy-white sapwood — clean, bright, and smooth, with an almost ivory quality that makes it a striking and somewhat unusual choice for the lathe.

Some pieces display attractive spalting, adding dramatic dark zone lines and bold figuring that contrasts beautifully against the pale background — turning what is already an interesting timber into something genuinely eye-catching. Dense and hard, Tamarind turns cleanly and polishes to a lovely smooth surface.

Wood Characteristics

• Species: Tamarind (Tamarindus indica)
• Origin: Tropical Africa, Asia
• Colour: Creamy white to pale yellow — clean and bright with an almost ivory quality; some pieces show bold dark spalting lines
• Grain: Generally straight to slightly interlocked with a fine, even texture
• Hardness: Very hard and dense — excellent durability and a substantial feel
• Finish: Turns to a smooth, attractive surface; takes oils and lacquers well
• Workability: Turns well with sharp tools; rewards careful sanding for a clean, crisp finish
• Spalting: Some blanks display dramatic dark zone lines — each spalted piece is entirely unique

Supplied

• Supplied dried and ready to turn
• Sizes are approximate and shown in inches (length × width × thickness)

Natural wood — colour, grain, and spalting will vary between blanks. Images are representative.