Wood is widely used in all over the world because of its excellent physical, mechanical and finishing properties. However, the machining and
handtool properties of mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) wood were ascertained for the characterization of working properties in this study. The effects of machining properties, such as- planing, shaping, boring, mortising and turning were tested on this wood species along with handtool test. The evaluation of each test was based on frequency of occurrence of defect free sample. The applications of two types of polishing materials, namely: shellac and carpa were used for the purpose of finishing property evaluation. Each sample was visually observed and classified based on five quality grades. This wood showed an excellent working performance in all properties except handtool property in planing test.