Thread: A Carvers Road Trip

The Tasmanian Wilderness is absolutely stunning! The land where ancient Huon pine, Myrtle, Sassafras, Celery top, Leatherwood and King Billy Pine all grow together along the Gordon, Franklin and Huon rivers. It was a sight to behold. I learnt that Huon pine is one of the earliest trees to evolve on Earth and that pollen records show they were growing 135 million years ago when Gondwana existed. I also learnt they like their roots in or very near to water. I'm glad I got to see live Huon pines although there are not a lot left. Coming down here has made me realise just how rare and precious this beautiful wood is.

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Great pictures Germaine and thanks for showing them, I've never been to to Tassie but I've heard it's beautiful, That Huon pine mill is woodcarvers heaven

Thanks Rob, I always wanted to go to Tassie for as long as I can remember. The forests were actually more beautiful than I ever imagined. Yes the Morrison's Saw Mill was definitely a woodcarvers heaven. It really had the wow factor for me. I bought some great Huon and some King Billy Pine there. Really lovely people.

Mill visits are such a delight. Thank you for all the pictures.
Please tell me: what do you see for growth ring count per 25 mm in your new stash of Huon?

One of our local cedar mills burnt to the ground last April. It is being rebuilt to reopen very soon.
Western Red Cedar shake blocks and post&rail decorative fencing = all perfect for carving.
Maybe I'll get pictures later this year.

Hi RV, interesting question. The photos are the ends of some of the lengths which are 100 x 96mm wide, 95 x 96mm wide and KBP 94mm x 93mm wide. The growth ring count per 25mm varied from 18-30 rings. Some areas they are really, really small and close, other areas they are 1-2 mm apart. What I found interesting is one of the lengths the lines are squiggley ~~~~~ and these rings are really close together. Another interesting thing I found was the King Billy rings are about 1mm apart as well but the length is really light weight.

Sorry to hear one of your local cedar mills burnt down. Great that they have rebuilt it.

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Thank you for the pictures. Very clear evidence to me.
Here's why I ask:
I carve western Canada's conifer woods. They don't hold much detail, I don't care, so I'm happy.
Very much influenced by the art and carvings of the Pacific Northwest native artists but I never copy.

Western Red Cedar, Yellow cedar, some pine and some spruce.
As I have learned, the single most important wood quality among my conifers in my region is the ring count per inch/25mm.
Let's just say I squandered a lot of money to learn that. I tell you for free. I'm old enough now to admit it.

Here, rapid growth of less that 15 rings, say 6-12, per inch may look perfect but it is hardly good enough to stand up in a fence.
The early wood, first created in each year, has very thin cell walls, short fiber and is easily crushed with no more than a fingernail's pressure.
The finishing late wood is thin, abrupt and that's it for the year. I've seen early wood 4-5 mm wide. Balsa.

I shop with a ruler. I'm looking for 20 - 40 growth rings as my ideal carving woods. See that, find that, buy it.

I am most pleased to read your wood ring measurements.
Your reported ring counts are right on the field for me.
Carve as only you know how. I'd like to learn more about the texture and detail character.

Hi Featherwood. Thank you for sharing the pics. I love Tasmania and Huon Pine!
My wife and I have been there a few times and always go to The Wall in Derwent Bridge ( Absolutely breath takingly brilliant! And all done in Huon a Pine. ) and we’ve been to Strahan and did the cruise to Sarah Island but I had never thought of looking for the sawmills that do Huon! I’m kicking my self big time. Next trip...next trip.
Thanks for sharing this.

And Robson Valley. Thanks for the tip on the trees ring count. I’m going to start doing that. Great advice!

Regards Richard Yates

Hi Richard sorry I totally missed your post I was a bit distracted that my nautilus came up again after so long.
Yes, 'The Wall' is absolutely Stunning well worth a look as you say. Morrison's Huon Pine Sawmill is easy to miss. Walking along the main street of Strahan the shops are on the road side of the wharf but the mill is on the water side. Walk towards the water just before you get to the last shop and you'll find it.
Have fun on your next trip.