Thread: Looking for “Queensland” timber

Qld Maple and Northern Silky Oak
Classic ' Queenslanders' !
Log Dog

Australian red cedar is another Qld native. Huon Pine and red cedar would make a nice, upmarket combination.

Qld Walnut might be an option. I have a bit.

Lance

What sort of project are you contemplating in terms of size. I have some Hairy Oak and Bull Oak, but neither are in large sizes and suitable only for decorative effect. I tend to use them for small objects like knife scales and non-impact handles for tools. You would be welcome to some if that suited your requirements.

Regards
Paul

Lance, do you want something that's exclusively from Qld, or just a wood that is common in Qld? There are a few Qld "exclusives", but quite a few of the woods already mentioned have a much wider distribution than the Sunshine State (cedar goes well into NSW, for e.g.). The two Log dog suggested are definitely Queenslanders.

Have you got your project planned? Can you give us an indication of whether a hard, dense wood is what you're after, or a more 'traditional' cabinet wood? Or maybe if you know where the banana-bender is native to, maybe we can suggest a wood that is typical of the area.

I think you'll have a few choices....

Cheers,

A Hardwood called “Iron Bark” has a wonderful patina when polished.
For a Softwood try some of the Wattle Varieties, especially “Black Wattle” It is a beautiful wood.
With your Tasmanian Woods I hope you look at “Huon Pine” and “Tasmanian Oak”
Both are beautiful when Polished and Sealed with a fine Lacquer.
Best Wishes.

Hi All,

I'm so sorry for asking the question and then seeming to ignore the thread; far too much on my mind lately and after not being back online for several days after posting the thread, totally forgot about it until my wife asked last night "Have you found some Queensland timbers yet?" Gah!

To answer your questions Paul and Ian, the timber will just be for decorative elements on a wall hung cabinet. As such, I'm not concerned about its strength nor its workability.

The Queensland timber will be paired with either Myrtle or Huon Pine, depending on which it contrasts better with. The cabinet will be stock Tas Oak.

As for where in Qld the groom is from, I don't know. He lives in SEQ now, so let's assume him a generic Queenslander.

Paul and Glenn, thanks for your suggestions of Hairy/Bull Oak and Iron Bark. They appear to be more widely grown, so will pass on those options.

That leaves me with Northern Silky Oak, Qld Maple, and Qld Walnut.

I'm looking for something around 300 x 100 x 20 mm. If anyone has some, which they're happy to sell me, please let me know via this thread or PM.

Originally Posted by LanceC

... As for where in Qld the groom is from, I don't know. He lives in SEQ now, so let's assume him a generic Queenslander. ...

What is a "generic Queenslander"? FNQ is not Brisbane.

Lance, I'll have a look in the morning (it's raining atm so not keen to go outside). I should have a piece that size in any of the 3 species you nominated. I'll take a pic & you can choose which one you prefer, & it'll be yours for postage.

Actually, I'll be in Hobart around the 19th November for the 50th year reunion of my veterinary class, so maybe you can just shout me a cup of coffee instead.....

Ian

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

What is a "generic Queenslander"? FNQ is not Brisbane.

No, but we are allowed to move about, Graeme...

I grew up in FNQ (not quite as far north as you can easily drive, but not far off!). I've ended up living more of my life in Brisbane, so I think I'm probably a good example of a "generic Qlder"...

Cheers,

Originally Posted by LanceC

Hi All,

That leaves me with Northern Silky Oak, Qld Maple, and Qld Walnut.

I'm looking for something around 300 x 100 x 20 mm. If anyone has some, which they're happy to sell me, please let me know via this thread or PM.

I have a lot of Qld Walnut that would have been in a shed for at least 50 years. Its mostly about 50 mm thick, dressed 2 sides in various widths.

I think that there may be some short lengths but can't confirm untill the weakend.

Originally Posted by IanW

Lance, I'll have a look in the morning (it's raining atm so not keen to go outside). I should have a piece that size in any of the 3 species you nominated. I'll take a pic & you can choose which one you prefer, & it'll be yours for postage.

Actually, I'll be in Hobart around the 19th November for the 50th year reunion of my veterinary class, so maybe you can just shout me a cup of coffee instead.....

Ian

That sounds great Ian. Unfortunately the week you will be in Hobart is the week of the wedding; a bit late for hand delivery, so freight it is. I'll send you a PM.

Now just because you won't be bringing timber with you doesn't stop me buying you a coffee when you're here. I look forward to it.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

I have a lot of Qld Walnut that would have been in a shed for at least 50 years. Its mostly about 50 mm thick, dressed 2 sides in various widths.

I think that there may be some short lengths but can't confirm untill the weakend.

Thanks for the offer Boden. If Ian can't send something for whatever reason, I'll get back to you.

Originally Posted by GraemeCook

What is a "generic Queenslander"? FNQ is not Brisbane.

We used to live in SEQ before moving to Tasmania when or eldest was 6. About eight out so years later we did a road trip back to Queensland to visit family. On the first stop after crossing the border we told the kids, slightly tongue in cheek, that they could recognise a Queenslander because they finish their sentences with one of two words; " 'ey" or "but".

We got out of the car, and went straight to a road house to get some food and joined the queue. As luck would have it, we found ourselves standing amongst a group with very heavy occa accents. The " 'ey"s and "but"s were coming thick and fast. Our kids were astounded. With that initial experience, and the wonders of confirmation bias over the next several weeks, our kids were convinced that that really was how Queenslander spoke.

Now young adults, and after several subsequent trips back, they know it was just some silliness, but still remenis from time to time about how Queenslander talk.