Exotic Hardwood Source

[FrankEV]

I’ve been searching around for sources of various hardwood with different colors for Intarsia, checking out many sites on-line. 

Most sites, like Ocooch, sell planks of various widths and thickness at BF prices of the typical standard wood kinds.  The BF prices, at places that do sell exotic tropical wood, is over the top and way outside my budget.

I happened to check out Diamond Tropical Hardwoods and found their offer of 35 Pounds Assorted Tropical Woods Pack - CITES species included for $156.00, which is about 8 to 10 BF of lumber in the form of shorts and cutoffs.  Although this seemed like a lot, they offer free shipping, so the actual cost of the wood is significantly less.   I decided to gamble and order a box.  Here is the link https://www.diamondtropicalhardwoods.com/product-page/35-pounds-assorted-tropical-woods-pack-cites-species-included

The assortment, in the box I received, included Yellowheart,Monkeypod, Mango, Goncalo Alves, Teak, Costa Rican Mahogany, Spanish Oak, and Granadillo.  Most being six to eight inches long, with a few longer pieces, and four to six inches wide.  There were a few thin pieces (nominal 3/4") but most are two to three inches thick, which requires the ability to resaw, in order to be usable.  Luckily, I recently purchased a Wen Tabletop Band Saw, so now it will be put to good use.

I also found the Total Wood Store (https://totalwoodstore.com/) that offers sample packs of various kinds of wood.   I ordered two sample packs, Basswood and Ash.  Each pack includes two boards 3/4" x 6"+- x 36".  Wood was well protected during shipment, the pieces were flat, clear, and nicely finished 3 sides.  The price of the wood was not too bad at about $7+/BF, but the shipping cost was very high.  Not sure I would use them again.

Just thouht I would share my findings.

[rjweb]

Frank, thx's for the info, RJ

[barb.j.enders]

That looks like a great haul from Diamond.  It is nice that they labeled everything. You should get lots of projects from that.  I am always surprised at how little wood is actually used in Intarsia.

[TAIrving]

Great find Frank!  That should serve you well for intarsia.  

Did they label the wood or did you do that yourself?  I ask because I had purchased a sample pack from another vendor a couple of years ago and got some interesting wood but none was labelled.  I had to guess at identifying them.  

 

 

[FrankEV]

6 hours ago, TAIrving said:

...Did they label the wood... 

 

 

Yes, it came with all pieces labeled.