What kinda wood should I look for in Australia?

[Phil Landwer]

I'm going to have the opportunity to go to Australia for 3 weeks of work, sometime after XGiving.
I'd like to use this also as a chance to get some "exotic" woods at a good price, that would normally be expensive here in The States.
What should I look for? I'm primarily a turner.

Also, what kinda wood should I fill a suit case with, and take with me, to perhaps trade with?
I was told black walnut crotch pieces will be valuable to the Aussies.....

[Jim Matthews]

Best to check with US customs - contraband will be interdicted at the border.

The Lacey act (http://www.eia-global.org/lacey/P6.EIA.LaceyReport.pdf) lists prohibited species.

[Jim Butterfield]

Good idea -- but usually the key is bark. No bark, less problems.

[Jim Colombo]

212153 Lok for some Norfolk Island Pine. This is a photo of a footed bowl I made from it.

[Gil Knowles]

Phil
You might want to go to this Australian woodworking forum and ask there.
http://www.woodworkforums.com/

Gil

[J.R. Rutter]

blackwood - similar in appearance to koa (at least what I have seen)

[Bill Rogers]

Lok for some Norfolk Island Pine.

Interesting in that Norfolk Island Pine is a weed species here in South Florida

[Jeff Duncan]

Good idea -- but usually the key is bark. No bark, less problems.

That may be correct, but I wouldn't count on usually. Google what's going on with Gibson guitars right now and you'll see why you want to be careful what your trying to bring into this country.

I'd also be worried that even if it isn't on the list, the customs agents are not going to be wood experts so may just decide to take it anyway?

good luck,
JeffD

[Rick Fisher]

I brought some decorative twisted wooden sticks back to Canada from Cuba.. Customs said I could keep them because they where stained. Never even thought about it .. He said raw wood required a permit ..

[Chris Kennedy]

Best to check with US customs - contraband will be interdicted at the border.

The Lacey act (http://www.eia-global.org/lacey/P6.EIA.LaceyReport.pdf) lists prohibited species.

It goes the other way as well. Australian customs will seize a lot of wood products for fear of introducing beetles and bugs. Australian customs is very non-discriminating. Being an island, they just don't take chances.

As for wood, I would love to have jarrah. I have no idea what it is like to turn, but everytime I am back and I see jarrah, I just think I could make wonderful things with it. She-oak is very attractive and distinctive. I think for turning, banksia pods are prized as well.

Cheers,

Chris