Thread: What's your favourite timber?

Yes, what is 'rosewood' ... a common name for reddish timbers?! Is this Dysoxylum fraseri?

Smed

Sheoak at the moment as i've been given a trailer load of milled stock from the great southern region of WA.

I've got about 20 species or so on hand, but favourites are:

• Dysoxylum fraserianum (AKA - NSW scented Rosewood)
• Flindersia australis (Crows Ash)
• Flindersia bourjotiana (Silver Ash)
• Acacia melanoxylon (Tas Blackwood)
• Acacia decurrens (FNQ Black Wattle)

Originally Posted by MajorPanic

I've got about 20 species or so on hand, but favourites are:

• Acacia decurrens (FNQ Black Wattle)

Major Panic I'd be interested in knowing what you think of this timber. Down here we call it sydney green wattle or early black wattle.

Originally Posted by dadpad

Major Panic I'd be interested in knowing what you think of this timber. Down here we call it sydney green wattle or early black wattle.

Black Wattle can be hard to work (especially highly figured pieces) but with HNT Gordon planes it comes up a treat. Sanded to 400+ grit & well finished it just glowes in the right light...............



This bedside was part of a bedroom suite I was asked to make several years ago, it just finished beautifully.

I would have to that silky oak would have to be my favorite timber as its easy to work and looks great. must admit that I havent a great deal of experience with many other timbers as its been a while since i have been looking around. I like iron bark for its looks as well but have never worked it. I need to get out a bit more while on leave and have an explore around the yards and see what else is available here in SEQLD.

For making my electric guitars and mandos and such I like Queensland maple for the neck and either Fijian mahogany or Tasmanian blackwood for the body. The Q.Maple and F.Mahogany are a pleasure to work with, and even though the Tassie blackwood is hard on tools and abrasives it looks so good it's instantly forgiven.

Prize for biggest POS timber would be Cypress. I decided to make a couple of bouzouki and guitar bodies from cypress and the smell almost had me passing out, but then the cracks and checking the next day made the whole experience one that will never be repeated!

No one else seems to like it but I'll admit to liking it and using it - yes, it's Radiata Pine.

It's easy to come by, cheap at(290x19 at $4.90/M), the colour is generally consistant compared to some other timbers and can be stained.


More to the point, we should be asking:

What is you favourite timber?

Where do you get it from?

And how much do you pay for it?

Originally Posted by Woodworker101

No one else seems to like it ....- yes, it's Radiata Pine.....

Harry does... he calls it Crapiata, see his earlier reply.

Originally Posted by JupiterCreek

For making my electric guitars and mandos and such I like Queensland maple for the neck and either Fijian mahogany or Tasmanian blackwood for the body. The Q.Maple and F.Mahogany are a pleasure to work with, and even though the Tassie blackwood is hard on tools and abrasives it looks so good it's instantly forgiven.

Prize for biggest POS timber would be Cypress. I decided to make a couple of bouzouki and guitar bodies from cypress and the smell almost had me passing out, but then the cracks and checking the next day made the whole experience one that will never be repeated!

Jupiter: I'd love to see some samples of your work. Can you make it to the meet and greet (http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com....php?t=24997)?

Wasn't the Pope's coffin made of cypress? Hope it doesn't crack!:eek:

Tassie blackwood and Myrtle followed by some real good Tassie Oak ( swamp gum)

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

Harry does... he calls it Crapiata, see his earlier reply.

Sorry, I wasn't aware of this.

Got several firm favourites, guess which is first on the list, the most versatile timber I'm aware of?. Fairly fond of both the local Ironbarks, Brushbox, Greygum, White mahogany and am rapidly becoming fond of some of the New England species, beautiful examples can be seen once cut and dressed. Basically I am a timber tart I LOVE ALL OF EM (however radiata and any other imported pines need not apply for my specail sorta lovin')

Originally Posted by zenwood

Wasn't the Pope's coffin made of cypress? Hope it doesn't crack!:eek:

Problem with common names. Cypress in Australia generally means timber from native Callitris species. Northern hemisphere cypress would be Cupressus species. Different characteristics altogether.

Kind regards
Brian