Thread: which wood?

Jelutong, it’s used by model makers and pattern makers. It’s available from Mathews Timber in St. Marys

Keep an eye out for pawlonia, it’s not much harder or heavier than balsa but has good grain. Very pale. I’m pretty sure it’s a common wood for making real surfboards as well.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

Keep an eye out for pawlonia, it’s not much harder or heavier than balsa but has good grain. Very pale. I’m pretty sure it’s a common wood for making real surfboards as well.

yes, I have been researching it, but didn't know it had a good grain. thx skeg

Paulownia Timber

I use the local Sheoak , I`m sure you would have some local variety.

Originally Posted by skeghead

yes, I have been researching it, but didn't know it had a good grain. thx skeg

Paulownia Timber

Hi Skeghead
I grew, milled and sold paulownia a few years ago. What Chief Tiff said is true. Like all timber the grain is different in each piece of timber but paulownia does have some nice grain patterns. The only drawback I noticed when processing it was that the tools had to be very sharp or it tended to 'tear' the timber instead of a 'clean' cut. This is not really a problem as it sands very easily. I have been too long out of the business to tell you where to buy some. The only place I'm still aware of is Port Phillip Shutters in Melbourne. Most of the hollow surfboard builder customers as with the strip plank kayaks builders added some western red cedar into the build. The contrast looks great and it is almost as easy to 'cut' as paulownia

These are by far not the only suppliers, and as a disclaimer, I haven't dealt with them yet as I have had no need - but had stored the link as a supplier of Paulownia: Timber Prices

As others have said, it's commonly used for surfboards, and you'll find a tab on that page covering (full size, obviously) blanks that they sell.

Something also tells me there was a member here in the Sydney region that could obtain it, but I'd have to go digging for that info - if they see this, and they can still get it, perhaps they will post here