Structured-tooth carbide rasps & rifflers *LINK*

Re: Boxwood

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>David, where do you get boxwood?

Thanks,

Pam

Re: Boxwood *LINK*

David Barnett

>Pam,

I use true boxwood* (Buxus sempervirens), also called English or Turkish boxwood. One of the best sources is Octopus Woodworks in Ineg�l, Turkey. They sell both billets and logs (I prefer logs) to instrument makers (baroque recorders, transverse flutes), and also have some other superbly seasoned tight grained woods such as plum, olive, and so on. Ordering from them is easy - they're very accomodating and helpful (if it's for tool handles, you can save money by purchasing 1" to 1.25" 'logs', for example).

There's also a U.K. dealer who sells bundles of small logs, but as I have a modest supply of very old boxwood log sections from a maker of early 20th century chess pieces, I'm slowly using it up before I order more. I love the stuff and have the urge to buy and hoard it, but I'm trying to keep that under control.

If you need more sources, let me know and I'll try to find them in my files, but Octopus is at the top of the list.

David

*Avoid nominal boxwoods such as So. American boxwood, S.E. Asian boxwood, et al.


Boxwood source

Re: Boxwood

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>Thank you so much, David, I'm in heaven. I've started collecting miniature boxwood tools (planes, a level with boxwood tubular case, couple of spokeshaves), thought it would be fun to try making some planes and shaves. Turns out these planes still work quite nicely, may even try a 30"+ jointer if I can get a big enough piece. I'll be using Japanese blade stock, so it could be an interesting combination.

Pam

A couple more sources... *LINK*

David Barnett

>Glad I could help, Pam. After posting Octopus, I checked my bookmarks and found another two sources in the U.S. that currently have half or whole boxwood logs.

Tropical Exotic Hardwoods of Latin America in Carlsbad, CA offers logs of English boxwood for five dollars per pound (call or email them to make sure it's 'sempervirens', though). Their site is http://www.anexotichardwood.com/. I found the logs listed on their pricelist.

Also, Gilmer showed a couple large splits on their site. These are not inexpensive (and marked 'sold'), and have somewhat more 'character' than I'd prefer in clear box. They likely have more stock but I didn't feel like looking through the rest of their unique boards (top menu).

A 30" boxwood jointer, huh? Bet that'll set you back some serious spondulicks. I'm glad I only need small chunks.


Gilmer half logs

Re: A couple more sources...

Pam Niedermayer - Austin, TX

>Thanks, David, I've got inquiries out to all three of them. I'm interested in making a long jointer, but may reconsider after I see the prices. The main goal is very small planes and spokeshaves.

Pam

PS I'm sorry to have highjacked this thread. I also thank you for the info about the carving rasps/rifflers/files, very interesting.