Thread: 2009 International pen & blank swap Australia Day

Agreed, thanks DJ and Sam for the efforts being put in behind the scenes to make this a great SWAP. Amos

Originally Posted by Woodenink

Agreed, thanks DJ and Sam for the efforts being put in behind the scenes to make this a great SWAP. Amos

Ooops forgot to mention Sam. Of course that goes without saying but nevertheless. Thanks a million Sam.

Hey all. I've been busy (holidays, work, and life in general!) and was wondering if I missed somewhere along the way when the match ups will be made. I am looking forward to this with great anticipation.

And I too Sam want to thank you for taking the time to oversee this. And also for inviting me to become a member here. Ive been turning a few peens so hope to get some pictures up once I can get my photo editing programs up and running. Installed a new hard drive and working on getting things moved over from the old one.

G'day Greg

There is still plenty of time before the draw which is on the 26th January 2009, 0900 EST.

Good to see you have been back at the pens I look forward to seeing some when you are up and running.

Thanks for the bump I was intending giving it one, we did start the thread a might early.

I will post the draw on all three forums when it happens and contact those that are not on forums

Happy holidays

I think I read somewhere about what woods could and could not be sent to Aus.

Does someone have the link for the info? I'd like to start putting some blanks aside for this and want to make sure they'd make it to the individual who I swap with.

Originally Posted by rhossack

I think I read somewhere about what woods could and could not be sent to Aus.

Does someone have the link for the info? I'd like to start putting some blanks aside for this and want to make sure they'd make it to the individual who I swap with.

I may be wrong, but I didn't think there was any specific restriction on a finished product, it'd be more likely raw timber. I think any raw timber would have to be quarantined in customs, fumigated etc etc, as we don;t want any nasty bugs from OS coming in. But a finished, sealed wooden pen, of any type, would not even cause a blink on the customs radar. If you're filling in a customs declaration, just put "pen" on the description and it won't even stop. Most things less than $1,000 value doesn't attract any import duty either.

This is just a guess. If anyone has an official word, I'm sure they'll speak up.

Russell.

I've had a quick search, and it appears there is a restriction on members of the Myrtaceae family. I think all other pen products are non-commercial and not restricted (to be on the safe side, ensure there are no insect marks or bark on the piece), or if you were a major importer they would be a low risk wooden item, but would require permits etc.

Here's a couple of links that explain the details

http://www.daffa.gov.au/aqis/import/timber/types

http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex...LogSessionID=0

http://www.aqis.gov.au/icon32/asp/ex...LogSessionID=0

Russell.

Originally Posted by rhossack

I think I read somewhere about what woods could and could not be sent to Aus.

Does someone have the link for the info? I'd like to start putting some blanks aside for this and want to make sure they'd make it to the individual who I swap with.

I regularly get timber blanks in from OS and there is only a few restriction. No permit is necessary.

Timber must be sawn on all faces no sawdust, no bark and no holes in it. They also frown on spalting but it does get through. Follow this for raw blanks and no problems.

Finished work sealed comes through OK never been knocked back or questioned on any item finished or unfinished

Customs would look at anything over $900 for excise.

Just mark the items gift and a reasonable but small value

Hope this all helps

Send me a PM if in doubt.

The highest number of pen blanks I have had shipped from America in one package for example was 140 total. In this instance my request was please use USPS I think a 20lb box flat rate that arrive at my door 7 days after despatch, also they were shipped as pen blanks and each blank was numbered on the ends and an E Mail from the sender gave me a key to the numbers. My plea is keep it simple, no bark or bark inclusions, never any signs of insect attack, basically clean sound wood. Also a plea to only check with those that do ship in blanks and those that send them, on our forum there are many who do or have.
Simply stated a USPS Priority Mail Solid envelope can hold up to twenty blanks sends from the USA for around 12.00 dollars US and takes roughly one week to arrive delivered to our door. I know you will not need to send twenty blanks so check with USPS in your area and enquire as to the Priority Mail sizes and current costs. Wish our postal service was as economic.I have swapped on a previous occasion to Matt in America with great success and friendship. Matt if you see this please confirm how are you?.
Regards Peter.

Regards Peter

Well, I've finally sorted it all out and I'm in

Not much longer now! Please change my location to USA. Brian77095

I'm in I've seen some nice pens from you guys.

Great Idea! I would love to be part of this exchange. OS/DOM Aussie

It 5 days to close off so any late comers now is the time to get in we have 87 entrants lets see if we can get 100.

Still looking for some more countries as well so if you know anyone give them a nudge.