Woods from central america?

A.McPherson

A.McPherson

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 27, 2012
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Hey guys, im in Belize right now, any suggestions for woods to be on the lookout for?
 
I just got a bunch of woods from Central America. Some of the woods that I liked were Balsamo, Teak, Granadillo, Ipe, Cumaru (similar density to teak and ironwood).
Honduran rosewood, yukatan rosewood, camatillo rosewood, & katalox are all from central America. If you are close to the west coast, look for cocobolo.
I have been researching the same question for my research paper.

Best answer that I came up with, if you have heard of it or it is dense and figured, go for it !
I am NO wood expert but I have been working with a lot of central and south american woods lately. They are great for their density and turning factors.

Have fun and find some good stuff. If there is an extra box needing filled, send it my way.
Troy
 
How about Bocote, Chechen, Cumaru, Ipe, Rosewood and Purple Heart? Have fun! Ambergris Caye by chance?
 
Belize is one of the places to get Honduras Rosewood Burl.
If you can find slabs of burl with eyes that is dry and not cracked.
It will still be expensive but well worth getting if you can find any of the good stuff.
I would be sure to double check to make sure it is legal to bring back with you.
 
Robert, yes for part of the trip. Mark, is honduras rosewood illegal to import?
Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll see what I can find. To be fair I'm here for the diving and tourist-ing... but I'll see what I can find!

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Yes it is illegal. All rosewoods are cities listed.

You can't not bring them into the country without a permit.

Thatvsaid, Belize does have some amazing woods. Curly ipe, black heart, figured purpleheart, bocote and figured Katalox are all common
 
Black heart? Sounds like my x! Lol! Thanks for the heads up! I'll try not to get arrested!

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Some great wood down there, but I'll echo what Ben said, be extra, extra sure that what you're bringing back isn't protected. CBP & USF&W take a remarkably dim view of people bringing CITES protected woods back without the correct paperwork.
 
Shoot me a message with any woods you are thinking of buying, and I would be happy to try to help identify and tell you what is legal and what isnt.
 
Thanks Ben, ill keep that in mind. Ive been looking at zircote(?) Really cool looking wood...

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A.McPherson said:
Robert, yes for part of the trip. Mark, is honduras rosewood illegal to import?
Thanks for all the advice guys, I'll see what I can find. To be fair I'm here for the diving and tourist-ing... but I'll see what I can find!
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Click to expand...

You will want to double check me on this. But.....sometimes finished products are ok while raw wood is not allowed.
When things started with restrictions on ironwood partially finished chunks were being imported with a "Made in Mexico" sticker on them.

Unless it is an impossible to get type of wood you will usually do better purchasing wood from a dealer in the states who has handled the importing, milling and drying of the wood. Dense woods can be the most difficult to dry intact.
 
Burl Source said:
You will want to double check me on this. But.....sometimes finished products are ok while raw wood is not allowed.
When things started with restrictions on ironwood partially finished chunks were being imported with a "Made in Mexico" sticker on them.

Unless it is an impossible to get type of wood you will usually do better purchasing wood from a dealer in the states who has handled the importing, milling and drying of the wood. Dense woods can be the most difficult to dry intact.
Click to expand...

Its relatively common. I know a guy who imports Turning squares of Ebony listed as finished posts for a banister. What he tells me is they have started to crack down on it some, but at this point it depends on the actual guy inspecting it.
 
Ben's comment reinforces my current attitude. Buy what is already in the states whenever you can.
 
Sounds like you should buy some cool carvings and art pieces, then cut them into blocks when you get home... :)
 
Ive seen some pretty awesome cutting boards here... maybe I'll see about getting some of them.

Thanks for the advice Ben and Mark!

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I ended up picking up a 2x4x24 Ziricote block, it has some nice figure. I'll post a pic of it when I get a chance, I'd like some advice on cutting it up for scales and blocks...

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