Thread: Timber species, solid timber water ski?

Is it definitely solid timber, not laminated ?
We had a Ron Marks from the late 60's when I was a teenager. It was
laminated of a light coloured, close-grained timber. Had to look very closely to
see the laminations. Never thought about what wood was used. If I had to
hazard a guess, really light Tas Oak would be close. It was too heavy & hard
to have been a pine.... I think.
cheers
AJ

Originally Posted by Stringy

Trying to figure out where to ask this question and thaught I would try here first!

I am looking into copying/building a couple of Williams 1962 vintage slalom water ski's. The ones I have are solid timber not ply and have been seeking to find out what timber was used in their construction. The Ron Marks ski's from this era look to be of the same timber. Both of these makers are Australian, building their ski's in OZ, so i'm guessing it's a local timber.

In the late 50ies I used select blackwood to steam bend water skis , can,t remember what Marks or Williams skis were made of.
regards nine fingers.

William's is still around of course ... why not send them a polite email asking them? They can only say something impolite ... but sometimes people get excited about helping.
http://www.fredwilliams.com.au/

Michael

The ski's are both solid timber, a later one I have (not shown) is laminated.they do look like Tas Oak or a similar Eucalypt. Found a US site "Maharaja" timber water skis and they use several types of timber so it may not be that big an issue. My main concern is how the timber breaks, so will dress up a few sample pieces and destroy them.

emailed Williams a couple of weeks ago with no reply, have since found that they are flat strap, so will give them a couple more weeks and then give them a call again.

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