Source of Lancewood

[Jamesc]

A bit of an odd one this. Yes I have spelt it right. I'm after a small piece of this wood as my research shows that it is the traditional wood used for repousse hammer handles.
I've trawled all the usual (on-line) sources that I can think of. Does anayone have any suggestions. Perhaps someone has an odd branch cut from the garden they may be prepared to part with. I've found a few references to it on exotic gardening sites though I've never seen anything like the plant myself.

James

 

[disco_monkey79]

Just a thought, but does it have any alternate names?

 

[Jamesc]

Just a thought, but does it have any alternate names?

The only other name I can find is Pseudopanax crassifolius, just trips off the tongue doesn't it.

For anyone interested there are pictures of the shrub/tree at this site http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shrubs-and-small-trees-of-the-forest/4/1. Perhaps someone has the odd branch trimmed from their garden and not known what it was.

James

 

[dickm]

The only other name I can find is Pseudopanax crassifolius, just trips off the tongue doesn't it.

For anyone interested there are pictures of the shrub/tree at this site http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/shrubs-and-small-trees-of-the-forest/4/1. Perhaps someone has the odd branch trimmed from their garden and not known what it was.

James

Looks really weird! I've never seen one in a garden, but you never know your luck.
As a matter of interest, why is the species used for the handle of your hammer critical? I can see why the head would be crucial, but does the handle touch the subject at all?

 

[Mr T]

Hi James

You could try Timberline in Kent, 01732 355626, they have a wide range in stock.

Chris

 

[ondablade]

PS Have just noticed that it's 'lancewood' and not 'lacewood' you asked about....

These guys list lacewood in their stock: http://www.associatedtimber.co.uk/stock.asp

I'm only a google ahead on this, but it seems there are different timbers known as lacewood. The local variety is known as London plane (it grows in parks etc), it's best quarter sawn if you want a very distinctive figure. This may be what the guys above have.

The other variety grows in Australia, New Zealand and apparently South Amercia - and is known in the former as 'silky oak'. It's freely available in Australia - check here: http://www.woodworkforums.com/index.php and also in the US.

Some of the pen and musical instrument making guys use it, i've seen it from time to time in photos of cabinet work.

Here's a discussion on the topic: http://70.169.135.35/showthread.php?t=49024

ian

 

[Jamesc]

As a matter of interest, why is the species used for the handle of your hammer critical? I can see why the head would be crucial, but does the handle touch the subject at all?

The art of repousse or metal raising involves using small metal punches to raise metal that has been embedded in pitch to give it support and enable fine detail. The Lancewood is very springy (hence its other popular use as carriage axles) and gives the hammer life rather like a well tuned blacksmiths anvil.

All the modern hammers I have come across use hickory or ash, I have both of these but my older books extol the virtues of lancewood and as I'm going to the effort of making the hammer head and all the punches I would like to try and use the best material for the handle.

Thanks to all for your suggestions so far. I'm also thinking I may post on a gardening forum, can anyone recommend one to me?

James

 

[Tom K]

Your barking up the wrong tree a quick google brings up Guatteria virgata
as the wood you are seeking
See also http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=igob ... ta&f=false

 

[devonwoody]

I purchased a board from Yandles a couple of years ago. They might still stock it.

 

[Jamesc]

I purchased a board from Yandles a couple of years ago. They might still stock it.

Thanks, I had already checked their website to no avail. My brother in-law lives in Martock and we are due to visit so I will take a detour when we are down in a couple of weeks. I find it's often better in person when you want something a bit out of the norm.

James

 

[maltrout512]

James, I have a small amount :lol: of london plane ( used to make kitchen utensils) still green but wouldn't take long to dry in the size that you want.

 

[dickm]

It's a very long shot, but what about some of the big National Trust properties that have gardens with all sorts of exotics? Ickworth House near Bury St Edmunds used to have a sale of timber from the garden most years; dunno if they still do, but maybe a call to NT might unearth something?
Or how about real heresy - my splitting axe has a (?)polypropylene handle that is really good and springy

 

[Chris Knight]

Rotan (the vine used to make furniture in the far east) might work OK. I have seen it used for the handles of small axes that are indeed quite springy.

 

[wizer]

Malcolm, I'll take a chunk of that London plane if it's going begging

 

[bugbear]

A bit of an odd one this. Yes I have spelt it right. I'm after a small piece of this wood as my research shows that it is the traditional wood used for repousse hammer handles.
I've trawled all the usual (on-line) sources that I can think of. Does anayone have any suggestions. Perhaps someone has an odd branch cut from the garden they may be prepared to part with. I've found a few references to it on exotic gardening sites though I've never seen anything like the plant myself.

James

"Lancewood is a tough, heavy wood used for such objects as archery bows, fishing rods, and tool handles. It comes from two types of trees that grow in tropical America. The scientific names for these trees are Oxandra lanceolata and Calycophyllum candidissimum. Only the pale-yellow sapwood of the trees is used commercially."

From google books (always handy) I found that there may have been another species...

"Lancewood ( Uvaria lanceolata) is brought from the West Indies. It is lighter in color than boxwood, splits easily, but is very tough, strong, and elastic. ."

(further googling reveals that Uvaria lanceolata is the same as Oxandra lanceolata)

I think it's rather rare today.

BugBear

 

[ondablade]

Just a PS on this. Not sure if it's the same timber, but according to an article in FWW this month Australian Lacewood is quite dodgy in that it triggers allergic responses in quite a high proportion of those exposed to it.

While having a quick dig elsewhere I got the impression that one of the reasons there's not that much Australian wood available here could be that there are issues to do with non compliance with logging standards over there. Not sure if this is correct.....