Thread: Oz wood suggestions for project?

Originally Posted by pond-jumper

Howdy! Er, well, that is... G'Day!

I'd like to get a suggestion or two on possible Australian woods for a project. My 2nd niece will be graduating this coming May and I wanted to make a jewelry box for her. The top and sides are going to have a psychedelic design (throw-back to the late 60's and early 70's). Here's the design for the

http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...1&d=1132716319


Right. Well.

Of course, Gabon ebony and American Basswood would be perfect for color. The ebony isn't going to trim so thin, though (smallest widths above are 1/16 inch). The basswood is perfect color (almost white with no growth rings) but far too soft.

So I'm looking for some substitutes, and what the heck! It's my niece. I'll go to the ends of the Earth for her!

What I'm looking for is:

- Uniform color (or minimal, very minimal changes)
- Straight grain
- Close grain (small pores, and evenly disbursed)
- Hard enough to take a blow from a dropped ring of keys or a hairbrush.
- Soft enough to work without checking, cracking, splitting...
- Glues well.
- Takes laquer or a water based finish without color leaching.


I'm not married to the idea of black and white. Dark brown and cream, crimson and cream, black and pink, etc. If it changes color from air or light exposure, the end color is what I'm interested in, and how do I age it to that color (oxygen? sun? etc.)

Anyone have a suggestion on candidate woods from Oz? How about a supplier that will ship a small quantity to the USA?

Much obliged. Er, I mean, Ta!

Howdy P.J. Looks a ripper design, and considering youl I'll go to the ends of the Earth for her! i would suggest you leave tomorrow and go to Iceland and get some Ash plume from the Grimsvotn Volcano and mix it with some clear resin, that would be rather funky wouldnt it

Originally Posted by Lignum

...i would suggest you leave tomorrow and go to Iceland and get some Ash plume from the Grimsvotn Volcano and mix it with some clear resin, that would be rather funky wouldnt it

Ash? Too porous, I'm afraid. Grain's a bit large, too, don't you think? Well, I guess that depends on the volcano's mood when I arrive.

Pondy, whilst I'm no expert, I beleive the premium wood in Oz is Jarrah. Its hard as buggery and a bit pinkish. Do a search on Jarrah in the Woodwork Pics and you'll get the idea.

If you want contrast then Tallowood would go very well. Also very hard.

I prefer more subtle contrasts so you can choose from many eucalypts, which I know you can source locally. I think CA has as many Gums as we do, however we don't command them to 'have a nice day' neither do they wear orthodontic prostheses.

To make me happy, try to introduce some brass fittings to your product. That looks so good with oiled or waxed, dark Oz hardwoods.

If you're still hanging out for Jarrah come Feb, I have a trip planned and I'll bring a bit across for you.

Hi,

Although it's not back and white, Tas Oak and River Redgum/Jarah provide a very nice contrast.

Regards,
Mike.

How about jarrah & silver ash? I'm just using them end grain out for a project at present, & they both meet your criteria.

BLACK/(ish)

Western Myall (Acacia papyrocarpa)
Very dark chocy brown, hard as nails.

Queensland ebony (Lysiphyllum carronii) or Queensland ebony (Maba humilis)
Bloody close to black, hard as nails.

River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)
The "Ancient" kind; buried and oxidised.
Can be black as coal. Not as hard as nails but close to.

WHITE/(ish)

Pittospurum (Various)
Most have very pale cream wood. Soft as a babies...
Good carving.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium) English
Very pale cream wood.
Good carving.

Hope it helps Mr Pondy.

Gents,

Thanks for all the replies. I got more suggestions than I thought I might.

It's the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States. Been running about today packing for a trip to Houston to visit Mum tomorrow. Won't be back until Sunday afternoon (Monday morning for you). I'll have a closer read of your ideas then.

Thanks again for making the suggestions. I appreciate it very much!

Originally Posted by pond-jumper

Gents,

Thanks for all the replies. I got more suggestions than I thought I might.

It's the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States. Been running about today packing for a trip to Houston to visit Mum tomorrow. Won't be back until Sunday afternoon (Monday morning for you). I'll have a closer read of your ideas then.

Thanks again for making the suggestions. I appreciate it very much!

Huon Pine/Red Myrtle Dense/Dense (both easy to work and work to a mirror finish)
Tas Oak/Blackwood
Huon Pine/Blackwood
Jarrah/Huon Pine
Jarrah/Celery Top
Blackwood/Celery Top
Good luck!

My favorite combination is Jarrah and Brushbox.

Hard as the hobs of hell

Dark red jarrah
Dark caramel Brushbox

Both can be difficult to work - Brushbox is full of silica.

But the effect is amazing and brass fittings set it off a treat.

May your little red wagon carry you through all these options

Jamie