Thread: Where do you guys get this stuff?

scubabob - have a quick flick through this

http://www.thewoodexplorer.com/specieslist1.php

(click on each species for picture and details....) - get back to me when you've memorised it all....

Can't help you with suppliers in Vic, but up here in NSW I'd get specialty timbers from Trend or Matthews. I'm sure some locals will have suggestions for you, or several suppliers will post smaller pieces out.

memorised them all? i'll call you after breakfast tomorrow.........

Actually, come to think of it, I'm sure Matthews have an outlet in Melbourne too......they keep a good selection of species, although maybe not some of the really exotic stuff. Worth a look.

Originally Posted by scubabob

i look through these pages in total awe and see some very exotic names -: Blackwood; Tiger Myrtle; Hoop Pine; Bunya; Fiddleback Blackwood; Blackheart Sassafras" - and that was only on the first two pages...!

All i seem to come across in the real world are the old favourites - Redgum; Cyprus; and good old Radiata Pine. Half of the above woods i haven't even heard of and continue to see new species everytime i open this forum.

i am a qualified Master Butcher and i can walk into any butcher's shop and identifiy any piece of meat in the case, even what it was fed on before it became dinner, but most timbers are like fish, i wouldn't know one from the other.

so, firstly, where does one source such exotic timbers and how do you identify them?

Head to the Timber and Working with Wood Show at the Showgrounds next week, there will be a number of Tasmanian Timber Suppliers there.

Originally Posted by KevM

Head to the Timber and Working with Wood Show at the Showgrounds next week, there will be a number of Tasmanian Timber Suppliers there.

Mal Ward from Botique Timbers will also be there.
He specializes in mostly mainland timbers that have beautiful grain and colour and even gets Tassie timbers from time to time.
Tell him Tom from Tele Point sent you.
Cheers
SG

Maybe get yourself a copy of the Timber Buyers Guide -- the publisher (Skills Publishing) should be at the Melbourne Show

Good questions Scubabob.

Does anyone know of an Australian timber exporter to the uk? I would love to get my hands on some of the timbers used in this forum. Yew, cats paw oak, rippled sycamore, spalted beech, burr elm I got... but Aussie timbers? wow, that would be fabulous.

if it's relatively small quantities, you could contact trend timbers Trend Timbers » Front Page

One timber Ive seen come up really well was Brush Box. (flooring) How does Red, Yellow or grey Box finish up?
Heres some others for the list:
Oak, Tas Oak, Baltic Pine, Murray Pine, Huon Pine, Kauri Pine, Oregon ( I love working with old Oregon beams-they make awesome coffee tables Mountain Ash, Vic Ash, some of these are really great timbers to work with. they provide a wonderful finish.

Originally Posted by Mr Brush

Actually, come to think of it, I'm sure Matthews have an outlet in Melbourne too......they keep a good selection of species, although maybe not some of the really exotic stuff. Worth a look.

Mr Brush is correct. Mathews are at Rooks Road Vermont and carry a good range of timbers, including
Tassie Blackwood,
Jarrah,
Red Gum,
Kauri,
American Walnut,
American Oak,
American Maple,
NZ Beech,
Wenge
Macasser Ebony..
To name a few. Ian Neil, the Yardsman there can also find some other timbers hidden away if you ask nicely
They also get one off lots of timber from time to time. As an example, they have Zebrano at present, but not for long I wouldn't think.

Hope this helps;

Regards,

Rob

OK that is it. I am going to live in Melbourne. We have absolutely bugger all here to speak of. A lousy wood show that is really a waste of money to go to and very few suppliers of good timber. Only trouble is I lived there for about 10 years and loved the footy but not the weather.

Originally Posted by gwambygine

Good questions Scubabob.

Does anyone know of an Australian timber exporter to the uk?

I've come across several places that sell Australian Burrs and Banksia Pods. You might try John Davis or South London Hardwoods to start with. If I remember correct The Toolpost carry some as well.

So they are reasonably common - but please note also reasonably expensive and normally sold by the kilogramme. You'd have to add postage to your location in Scotland as well.

Look around any Turning Suppliers near you that you may be able to frequent, I'm sure you'd find something.

If in Melbourne Eastern Suburbs...

Could try The Woodsmith Lusher Rd Croydon if you are only after smaller bits of wood

Chipman

Also important to realise that much of the real special stuff you see here is in fact veneer, not solid timber. If the builder does a good job, you wont be able to tell from the photo.

cheers
Arron