Thread: Ancient NZ Kauri

Hey There,

I went to Perth today and met Brad, ( Custom Hardwood Designs) he said that he had some of the NZ Swamp Kauri that Spirit Flutes brought in, and I could have some, I got a couple of pieces to see what we could get out of it. Brad said that it is a bit cranky to work with, as the grain goes every which way and is checking a bit, I cut a few pen blanks from a piece that was about 120x 45x 750 I cut about 10 blanks (Sierras) and 3 broke up in the drill press, I got 4 drilled and glued (with CA Thin) got 2 turned and destroyed 2 in the process, I have some Knight Pen Blanks glued up (with araldite) ready for my next Shed Excursion. The 2 pens that I got finished ended up with a few chips, so I hope that the I have better luck with the Knights, They are thicker at the bushes, so I hope that will help, The wood is very dry and because of the grain I think a soak in thin CA once I am close to finish size might help. My big hurry tonite was to get some pens to take to Play School (Woodturners Group) for show and tell.

We are a warts and all group here so to show that I am human and not all my pens work, here is todays effort. Finish is Mirco Mesh, CA and Hutts. Sierra Executive Australiana, Gold and Chrome from Timberbits.

Comments welcome.

HazzaB