Thread: Canadian Timber suggestions?

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

So, I have a friend in Canada (A newfie ) who's more than willing to partake in a timber swap.

They're fascinated by Oz timbers in general, mainly the variety of colours. So I'm sending off some Dead Finish, Redgum, Conkerberry, fiddle-backed Tas Oak, Blackwood.... I'm sure you get the idea.

My problem is... the only Canadian Timber I can think of that I'd like in return is Rock Maple. I know they have Birch, Beech, Aspen and a whole slew of Maples... but to me they all look - and turn - pretty much the same.

Anyone have suggestions for other timbers which are both good for turning and, perhaps, a tad exotic to us Aussies?

I agree they don't have as much as we have in terms of variety. While I was there for 3 months earlier this year I sent myself back to Oz a care package of Dogwood, Yew, Cherry and Walnut. I also like White Beech. Anything spalted can look stunning when turned.

Just to annoy them a little I showed them this composite of some of the timbers I have milled in the last 3 years. One of these is not a native Aussie (Its north american). I challenged them to find it - I got about 20 responses but no one worked it out.
Attachment 146795

Yew?! Ooooer. Yes! Thanks Bob!

I don't think I've ever come across Dogwood; it looks like a google-a-thon is called for.

An interesting display in that collage! I'm hard pressed to put names to most of them myself. My friend is sort of umming and aahing, saying either #20 or #21 would be the American (although I think they're likely Tas Oak/Vic Ash or similar) or maybe, just maybe #11 on the basis the grain is right but too much colour.

As a matter of curiosity, what're #24, 25? Absolutely luvverly colour!

Skew,
Can't speak for White Beech, but regular Beech is nice, and if you can get it to spalt it is a real treat (see attached pics).
Also, Yew is good to turn, and is good looking.
Dogwood is hard, and cracks fast(at least our Georgia Dogwood does).
Red Bud (if they have it in Canada) also cracks easily, but is lovely wood.
Maple burls are very nice, or maybe some figured Maple.
Luck,
Gil

Hmm, spalted birch, black locust,black walnut, red oak,spalted horse chestnut. Manitoba maple and Manitoba maple burl.

that should keep you going.


failing that have a chat to these guys;

Turning - Canadian Woodworking and Home Improvement Forum

Bob

Nice montage

Skew

Customs can be a little iffy with spalted timbers

Originally Posted by hughie

Hmm, spalted birch, black locust,black walnut, red oak,spalted horse chestnut. Manitoba maple and Manitoba maple burl.

Black locust is the odd ball in the photo montage. I managed to pick up 4 small trunks in 2008. They're now milled and dry in my wood store.

Rhododendrum root, but watch out for embedded stuff like rocks.

If your friend is actually in the Maritimes he should be able to get you some Birdseye Maple (buds that are spread out along the trunk rather than in a clump like a burl). If he lives here in the west then if he can get you some Quilted Maple you will be grinning from ear to ear. We don't get the birdseye and they don't have quilted growing there. Curly Maple is also nice and can be found in all maples. All these maples are the result of growing conditions that affect the tree and are not different species. The rock maple (Sugar Maple) is hard but plain unless it is curly or has birdseye.

Unfortunately we don't have the varieties of wood you do but there are many non commercial woods that look good when turned. Spalting adds to them but as far as I know your inspectors will not let them into your country very easily if at all. Most of the commercial mills cull out the defective (which look great to a turner) woods and they get burned to heat the kilns or make power and that is why so much of our wood looks plain.

Just let your friend send you the best of what he can find and you should be happy.

Pete

how about Elder, or is that English/European

BobL!!!!! I will have one cubic metre of each!!! Thank you!

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

So, I have a friend in Canada (A newfie ) who's more than willing to partake in a timber swap.

.............

Skew
It does not matter what timber you get, as long as you 'share'

Hmmm. I'm heading off in that direction for a holiday shortly. Not being a turner I hadn't thought of picking up timber. I don't think my budget runs to the sort of excess baggage required to bring back cabinet building quantities.

I will however be in Halifax and note there is a Lee Valley store there that I'll have to work out how to visit. Unfortunately it will be Thanksgiving weekend and will be closed Monday.

Hit him up for some Juniper and Bradford pear Skew The Juniper has some magic colour and the Bradford pear is beautiful stuff to turn - streamers as long as you like (at least I think they grow that far north )

Originally Posted by Fuzzie

I will however be in Halifax and note there is a Lee Valley store there that I'll have to work out how to visit. Unfortunately it will be Thanksgiving weekend and will be closed Monday.

They are open till 9:00pm on Thursday and Friday as well as 6:00pm on Saturday. Lots of time to part with your money!

Pete