Jamaican Blue Mahoe

[Keith Starosta]

I am looking for a source for this pretty rare tropical wood. So far, I've only been able to find it in small, "craft project" quantities, but would like some larger pieces. It's a beautiful wood, and I'm hoping to make a display cabinet for my wife, to store different native pieces we've purchased on our trips to Jamaica.

I know that the Blue Mahoe is the national tree of Jamaica, but I don't know if this means there are stringent exporting rules or not.

Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated!!

- Keith

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2090/2300263318_5e5f6099a6.jpg

[Walt Caza]

Hi Keith,
I like your idea to build a display with Blue Mahoe. I always found it curious
that it was the national wood of Jamaica, while Lignum Vitae is their
national flower. Lignum Vitae, also known as Greenheart or ironwood,
is Latin for 'wood of life', referring to it's medicinal usage.
I believe it to be the densest known wood. It has amazing figure and
properties, yet did not earn the national wood title!

Blue Mahoe is gorgeous wood, ranging from green to blues.
The tree is easily recognized when it's Hibiscus flowers are in bloom, and
yet it is not national flower, but trumped LigV for wood honours! Go figure!

I too would love to try machining Blue Mahoe in the workshop.
Good luck on finding the size and quantity you need...

Here is a link to my previous Blue M story:
http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?p=704950#post704950
take care,
Walt

ps please post us a peek if you do build a project with Blue M
:)

[mike holden]

The Woodcraft here in Sterling Heights Michigan (Detroit Area) has some very nice 4/4 boards of blue mahoe, about 8 inches wide and 8 - 10 feet long.
Dont know if they would ship, but...
Woodcraft of Sterling Heights
39245 Van Dyke
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
586 268 1919

Mike

[Keith Starosta]

Thanks for the comments, guys.

Mike, I'm originally from Eastpointe, and still have many friends and family in the area. I may have to do a little recon work and see if I can call in a few of the many favors that are owed to me. :D

- Keith

[Dan McCallum]

Keith,

It shows up regularly on eb*y. You can set it up so that you receive an email notification if there is any for sale there.

Dan

[Craig D Peltier]

I was at rockler yesterday. They had two planks for $19 bd ft. There was a piece of paper on it with a whole story, I didnt read it.