Derek Cohen (in Perth, Australia)
I have the remnants of a Paulownia log, which was taken from a tree we cut down in the garden. The Paulownia is popular in China. These trees grow extraordinarily fast!!!!! Within 6 months the one we planted as a tiny stalk was towering over our house and the branches were creating shade far and wide. The lawn was dying. So out it went, or so we thought! It sprouted everywhere, and finally we killed it with poison.

The wood is prized for furniture (and surfboards). The story goes that a tree would be planted when a daughter is born, and then harvested for all her furniture when marrying.

It is very light, not just in colour but also in weight (almost as light as Balsa). The box from my Kyohisa chisels ...

Regards from Perth

Derek