Alternative timber

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

I use Boxwood and Castello Boxwood quite a bit. But now I am looking for an alternative timber (it has to be readily available) primarily it should be good to chase threads in. Not too worried about colour but would prefer a yellow or cream .I have tried Pau Amarillo but it does not take a crisp enough thread. I remember there used to be a Mahogany type timber that was lighter in colour than Sapele and had a "z" in the name ( I don't think it was Afzalia. Any ideas?

[John Plater]

No "z" but Agba ?
ATB, John

[seventhdevil]

try garapa, i have some if you wish to test it.

some of the finer timbers to take threads could be olivewood, brown ivory, muhuhu, hornbeam, hard maple, pear, holly, apple and field maple but if you can find a source then try pau marfim.

http://www.hobbithouseinc.com/personal/woodpics/pau%20marfim.htm

if you can get hold of it then whitebeam is great for fine detail.

goncalo alves is a cracker for threads but quite orange.


what are you using it for? small boxes???

[seventhdevil]

I remember there used to be a Mahogany type timber that was lighter in colour than Sapele and had a "z" in the name ( I don't think it was Afzalia. Any ideas?

are you thinking of Izombe john?

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

No that's not it Steve.It is pinkish in colour,ideal for turnery, not a timber normally seen at wood sheds. I will remember in time.

[Paul Hannaby]

Was it Afzelia?

[seventhdevil]

No that's not it Steve.It is pinkish in colour,ideal for turnery, not a timber normally seen at wood sheds. I will remember in time.

Xylia is pinkish brown. is it that?

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Nope I've got it! ADZA alt. African Pearwood, that's the one. Now I just have to find some. Thanks for the suggestions, old age seems to be taking it's toll on the memory atm.

[seventhdevil]

not a common name i have heard of myself. i know it as moabi or african pearwood.

it is verging on endangered so i suggest you find an alternative alternative timber...

[Buzzbee]

Lemon Wood makes a reasonable substitute for box. It will take a thread with care and finishes well.

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Thanks Buzzbee, I am using up my stock of Lemon wood as we speak.

[seventhdevil]

john, Garapa is quite similar to lemon wood and should be ok for thread chasing.

are you not wanting to try it?

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Steve it all depends on the prices it comes in at.

[seventhdevil]

i have a bollard at 5 1/2"sq 48" long so make me an offer.


do you just want a section of it for a test.?

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

No, thanks anyway Steve. I have a lump of Goncarlo Alves in the workshop, that will do the trick.