My folks are down in New Zealand for a four week holiday. Mom has family there in Wellington, and she asked me what should she bring back? So I said "Wood!" So, they're in Wellington, might be going up to Raumati, possibly Palmerston North (sp?) and I was wondering if anyone could tell me where they might find bowl blanks or a turning shop in Wellington or close by.
Thanks, Caleb From Sunny Saskatchewan, Canada (-25 and blowing -- when can I go to NZ???)
When we were in New Zealand earlier this year, I demonstrated at the Palmerston North club. Have you parents contact these people:
Manawatu Woodworkers Guild Ivy Shultz TEL: (06) 354-8215 Address: 38 South St, Palmerston North
Perhaps someone from New Zealand will come up with some specific sources.
It is a wonderful place, they may decide to stay.
Fred Holder
New Zealand does not allow the export of wood other than Kauri (is that spelled correctly)which is dug up out of old mudslides and from what I've been told it is not great to turn. She will probably be able to readily purchase wood from Australia in NZ. I'm sure there is plenty of that because you can't spit in NZ without hitting a woodturner.
You may not be able to export wood from New Zealand, however, my wife and I brought back two suitcases full of all types of New Zealand wood. She has an egg collection from different woods and collected egg blanks all over the country. I expected problems when we started home, but we declared the wood. The Suitcases were opened and checked and then sealed and stayed that way all of the way home. It must have the bark removed and not have any signs of worms or other varmints.
Fred Holder
Hi Guys.
I think that exporting is a little different from taking some samples home for your own use.
I travel to Australia regularly with wood, and also I have supplied timber to several Americans who have been out here.
Fred is correct, as long as its bark free and hole free you will be right (should be)
I also bring Aussie wood back here and we have had to have a few burls fumigated, but we have never lost any. Worst part is teh excess baggage charges.
If you are looking for good timbers to use, try Matai (pronounced MAT-EYE), Maire (MY-REE) Rimu (REE-MOO) or Kauri (COW-REE)
I like the comments regarding Kauri's turning qualities. Its soft, especially the swamp kauri, but then so would I if I had been in the swamp as long as some of that stuff (up to 50 000 years) Depending on the part of the tree, some turns clean, but butt and head timber as with any tree,. presents issues. Otherwise its just another soft timber. It does however posess a visual quality I have yet to fing in other timber. When finished properly, and given a good polish, you would swear that you can look into it ?? sounds wierd, but its true. Almost as though it becomes translucent.
Any way, good luck. If you want to ciontact this guy snipped-for-privacy@xtra.co.nz he is down near where your folks are and may be able to help as well.
Regards from the Antipodies
Hi Caleb Get your to stop at the The Woodturning Shop
7 Epiha Street Paraparaumu 0800 488 7641 They have a good collection of bowl blanks waxed and dryhe
Hi Caleb Get your folks to stop at the The Woodturning Shop
7 Epiha Street Paraparaumu 0800 488 764 They have a good collection of bowl blanks waxed and dry at good prices Clean wood for taking overseas Your have fun turning NZ woodsJan B Komarkowski
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