turning blanks as a gift

Never heard of them, not that this actually means anything. There is one source (a Dentist that runs out of his office) I would NOT recommend, but I don't recall his URL right now.

Some places that are good: Choice Wood

Clay has a solid REP Woodbay is a turner I have known for years Plus places like Penn State Industries. Craft Supplies USA and Packard Woodturning

Thank you Ralph

Kate,

I'm guessing that from the "BT Internet" e-mail address, and you mentioning SL Hardwoods (a UK company), that you are in the UK? If so, then there's not a lot of point paying shipping from the USA on wood unless it is really special and unavailable more locally.

"Exotic" woods can be a bit intimidating (not wanting to "waste" an expensive piece of wood), which can lead to procrastination. And, quite frankly, _some_ exotics are only expensive because they have travelled far, not because they are so much prettier than local wood (for example, I far prefer Laburnum to the average "exotic" brown wood).

So my suggestion would be to get some reasonably priced British timber. Sadly not many companies market the prettiest locally grown woods. But there are usually people at clubs that have interesting bits for sale and to swap. A starting place would be

or internet search for local turner's clubs; phone the secretary and have a chat. I've not used SL Hardwoods, but that is more to do with the way I tend to buy wood than because I don't trust them or anything. Good luck Andy

:

Yes Andy I am in the u.k. and was hoping to find something unusual for my husband but on reflection it is probably not a good idea. I will do as you suggest and try to find something local. Thank you for your interest and help

kate

I'm surprised that no-one has already pointed you to at least two web sites for 'exotic timber supplies' in the UK

I've used the first one and had excellent service but the second has an on-lineordering service for a limited range.

JG

snip

> > I've used the first one and had excellent service but the second has an > on-line ordering service for a > limited range.

Thank you JG, the two links are very good, in particular the last one Tool Post, easy to understand for peeps such as me :-)

kate

Additionally Craft Supplies (UK) had a supply of exotics when I was there a couple of years ago

Also

Kate Try

They have a large supply of local and exotic hardwoods and are the friendliest people I have dealt with. It is no problem to order either on the internet or over the phone and the website is easy to negotiate. Tom

You have all been very kind and helpful. I now have lots of web sites to look at in fact I think I will let my husband look at them and then he can choose exactly what he wants. Thanks once more

kate

>> ml >>

....

Cheers

Mark

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That sounds brilly Mark, I wish we could go and visit, thank you kate