I saw the story about this wood and supplier in FWW in the last 2-3 issues.
I wanted some unusual wood for some presents for my daughters, and this
seemed to fit the bill, so I bought. In case you haven't seen the article:
the wood is from ancient softwood trees, 2000 yrs old or so at the time of
death, that were buried in bogs 30,000-50,000 yrs ago in New Zealand, and
are now mined and sold. Its pricey but its unusual, to say the least.

I went to the website (www.ancientwood.com), then called the contact number,
and spoke to Robert, the president. I inquired if I could get a board with
some spectacular grain; I didn't want a simple flat-sawn grain pattern. He
indicated that the boards he had didn't really offer any of the usual
"spectacular grain patterns" (e.g. quilted, fiddleback, flamed, &tc.), but
he could find something a bit better than flat-sawn or plain quarter-sawn.
I ordered a board 8/4 by min. 6" by 48".

I got a good board. I ordered 8/4 but the board was over 9/4, intermediate
between flat-sawn and quarter-sawn. The grain isn't "spectacular" but it is
distinctly wavy and interesting; definitely better than plain. The board
had a check along 1/3 of one edge but I still got the full 6" width. And it
seemed well-dried and stable; the flat sides were surfaced, the edges were
rough. I also got these cool little certificates of authenticity, with an
embossed seal.

The wood works well, although it seems a bit harder than usual softwoods.
It had a fair amount of silica deposits. But it cut cleanly, and it planes,
sands and routs well. I haven't finished it yet.

Anyway, I got what I agreed to pay for, the sellers were honest and helpful,
the wood is pretty darn cool, and I'm satisfied with the deal.

Usual disclaimer: no affiliation, satisfied customer.

-jbb

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 02:25:33 GMT, "J.B. Bobbitt"
wrote:

I saw the story about this wood and supplier in FWW in the last 2-3 issues.
I wanted some unusual wood for some presents for my daughters, and this
seemed to fit the bill, so I bought. In case you haven't seen the article:
the wood is from ancient softwood trees, 2000 yrs old or so at the time of
death, that were buried in bogs 30,000-50,000 yrs ago in New Zealand, and
are now mined and sold. Its pricey but its unusual, to say the least.
snip
Anyway, I got what I agreed to pay for, the sellers were honest and helpful,
the wood is pretty darn cool, and I'm satisfied with the deal.

Usual disclaimer: no affiliation, satisfied customer.


Sand it up to 600 grit and see what happens when you oil it.

Greg

Groggy wrote:

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 02:25:33 GMT, "J.B. Bobbitt"
wrote:

I saw the story about this wood and supplier in FWW in the last 2-3
issues. I wanted some unusual wood for some presents for my daughters,
and this seemed to fit the bill, so I bought. In case you haven't
seen the article: the wood is from ancient softwood trees, 2000 yrs
old or so at the time of death, that were buried in bogs 30,000-50,000
yrs ago in New Zealand, and are now mined and sold. Its pricey but
its unusual, to say the least.
snip
Anyway, I got what I agreed to pay for, the sellers were honest and
helpful, the wood is pretty darn cool, and I'm satisfied with the
deal.

Usual disclaimer: no affiliation, satisfied customer.


Sand it up to 600 grit and see what happens when you oil it.

Could you enlighten those of us who have not purchased any? TIA.

Greg

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 09:18:32 GMT, Lobby Dosser
wrote:

Groggy wrote:

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 02:25:33 GMT, "J.B. Bobbitt"
wrote:

I saw the story about this wood and supplier in FWW in the last 2-3
issues. I wanted some unusual wood for some presents for my daughters,
and this seemed to fit the bill, so I bought. In case you haven't
seen the article: the wood is from ancient softwood trees, 2000 yrs
old or so at the time of death, that were buried in bogs 30,000-50,000
yrs ago in New Zealand, and are now mined and sold. Its pricey but
its unusual, to say the least.
snip
Anyway, I got what I agreed to pay for, the sellers were honest and
helpful, the wood is pretty darn cool, and I'm satisfied with the
deal.

Usual disclaimer: no affiliation, satisfied customer.


Sand it up to 600 grit and see what happens when you oil it.

Could you enlighten those of us who have not purchased any? TIA.


It is reputed to take on an 'inner glow' or luminescence, something
due to the age and conditions the wood has been under.

Greg

They allude to that in the decriptions on the website and in the printed
information they provide, and the person I talked to on the phone also told
me that. They even said to go all the way to 1500 or 2000.

I plan to go as high as I can; I'll let you guys know.

-jbb

"Groggy" wrote in message
...
On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 02:25:33 GMT, "J.B. Bobbitt"
wrote:

I saw the story about this wood and supplier in FWW in the last 2-3
issues.
I wanted some unusual wood for some presents for my daughters, and this
seemed to fit the bill, so I bought. In case you haven't seen the
article:
the wood is from ancient softwood trees, 2000 yrs old or so at the time of
death, that were buried in bogs 30,000-50,000 yrs ago in New Zealand, and
are now mined and sold. Its pricey but its unusual, to say the least.
snip
Anyway, I got what I agreed to pay for, the sellers were honest and
helpful,
the wood is pretty darn cool, and I'm satisfied with the deal.

Usual disclaimer: no affiliation, satisfied customer.


Sand it up to 600 grit and see what happens when you oil it.

Greg

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 15:44:28 GMT, "J.B. Bobbitt" wrote:

They allude to that in the decriptions on the website and in the printed
information they provide, and the person I talked to on the phone also told
me that. They even said to go all the way to 1500 or 2000.

or just plane it by hand and save a lot of effort (G) the grits seem not as
important as what paper you use. some tend to polish better then others do.

--
Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes
Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices
See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.

I have seen pictures of the wood and read the articles. Sorry but I am
not impressed. There are many types of newer wood that are much
prettier and cost far less. The only reason to buy is this stuff is to
be able to impress your friends with a project that contains wood that
is thousands of years old. Same reason people buy impractical,
expensive cars when a Chevy will get you where you want to go. It's the
"Brag" factor.

Rich

Interesting stuff, but $25 a bf? OUCH!

-Keith


On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 02:25:33 GMT, "J.B. Bobbitt"
wrote:

I saw the story about this wood and supplier in FWW in the last 2-3 issues.
I wanted some unusual wood for some presents for my daughters, and this
seemed to fit the bill, so I bought. In case you haven't seen the article:
the wood is from ancient softwood trees, 2000 yrs old or so at the time of
death, that were buried in bogs 30,000-50,000 yrs ago in New Zealand, and
are now mined and sold. Its pricey but its unusual, to say the least.

I went to the website (www.ancientwood.com), then called the contact number,
and spoke to Robert, the president. I inquired if I could get a board with
some spectacular grain; I didn't want a simple flat-sawn grain pattern. He
indicated that the boards he had didn't really offer any of the usual
"spectacular grain patterns" (e.g. quilted, fiddleback, flamed, &tc.), but
he could find something a bit better than flat-sawn or plain quarter-sawn.
I ordered a board 8/4 by min. 6" by 48".

I got a good board. I ordered 8/4 but the board was over 9/4, intermediate
between flat-sawn and quarter-sawn. The grain isn't "spectacular" but it is
distinctly wavy and interesting; definitely better than plain. The board
had a check along 1/3 of one edge but I still got the full 6" width. And it
seemed well-dried and stable; the flat sides were surfaced, the edges were
rough. I also got these cool little certificates of authenticity, with an
embossed seal.

The wood works well, although it seems a bit harder than usual softwoods.
It had a fair amount of silica deposits. But it cut cleanly, and it planes,
sands and routs well. I haven't finished it yet.

Anyway, I got what I agreed to pay for, the sellers were honest and helpful,
the wood is pretty darn cool, and I'm satisfied with the deal.

Usual disclaimer: no affiliation, satisfied customer.

-jbb

The brag factor is worth something; just not $25/bf.
Also, since you cannot see what you are buying, it might work out to be more
like $100/bf.

"RJDurkee" wrote in message
oups.com...
I have seen pictures of the wood and read the articles. Sorry but I am
not impressed. There are many types of newer wood that are much
prettier and cost far less. The only reason to buy is this stuff is to
be able to impress your friends with a project that contains wood that
is thousands of years old. Same reason people buy impractical,
expensive cars when a Chevy will get you where you want to go. It's the
"Brag" factor.

Rich

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 18:39:05 GMT, Keith calmly
ranted:

Interesting stuff, but $25 a bf? OUCH!

For PINEYWOOD, no less!


-
In nature's infinite book of secrecy a little I can read. -Shakespeare
------
http://diversify.com Website Application & Database Development

On Mon, 03 Jan 2005 09:25:49 GMT, Groggy
wrote:


It is reputed to take on an 'inner glow' or luminescence, something
due to the age and conditions the wood has been under.

I can believe that. Got some recent Kauri (Not ancient) last year
(paid about $350 a cubic meter) and made a bathroom cupboard. From
different angles it takes on different hues, looks marvellous. Nice to
work with as well.

Steve, any upcoming offerings of ancient kauri wood coffin smoothers?
(G)

On 6 Jan 2005 18:17:26 -0800, "Never Enough Money" wrote:

Steve, any upcoming offerings of ancient kauri wood coffin smoothers?
(G)

I would maybe try it if it was not softwood (G)

--
Knight-Toolworks & Custom Planes
Custom made wooden planes at reasonable prices
See http://www.knight-toolworks.com For prices and ordering instructions.