Newsletter December 2016. 

Dear Woodlover

Cites News

Bad news I am afraid.…. See this article in the Guardian Newspaper.  It looks like all Dalbergia Rosewoods and even Bubinga have gone onto Cites 2.  This means more documentation, higher prices, limited supply and multiple problems exporting from the USA. Therefore we will accept domestic orders only for these woods.

Now for news of our new arrivals, latest developments and plans......

Ziricote  
We are privileged  to have received some quality boards in 4/4 and 8/4 (and even some squares). This is the wood with "mountain scenery" figure.

        
                  Beautiful "mountain scenery" figured Ziricote

Bocote
We have received new supplies of Bocote -  always a stunner with its lively, vibrant figure.  For an exotic the price is still affordable. (Boards and squares available)

        
                                                                             Bocote

Domestic Wood

We sold out of our superb 4/4 American Walnut but are very pleased with the new shipment of 9 and 10 footers just received.  We have also balanced out our stock of Cherry, Maple and Ash and can meet most requirements.  

Plane makers
Just received superb new stocks of R & Q Euro Beech and Black Cherry in 4/4, 6/4 and 8/4 for your winter projects.

                   
                       Rift & quartered Black Cherry

Christmas gifts

Time running out?   We have several great suggestions!

• How about crafting some of our gorgeous wild olive into cutting boards

• or....Looking for a suitable gift for a keen woodworker? How about a gift certificate to Rare Woods USA? You choose the amount and we will email it.  Email us today and we will email or mail it to you for you to give to the woodworker in your life.

• Or for those who use small pieces, we have some great “Hobby Wood” boxes, packed with an assortment of squares and small pieces similar to the picture below.  Limited edition - only $195 including postage ! Expect to find Ebony, Satinwood, Cedrorana, Pink Ivory, Kingwood, Olive, etc. Email us to order now!

                                
                      Contents of a typical "Hobby wood box"

Winter operations:
Rory and Jenny are going on their annual “snowbird” migration to South Africa to attend to Rare Woods business matters there (and to deal with medical issues).  Our South African operation employs 45 people and they enjoy the annual motivational and training visit by the "Head Honcho".  
However, this does not mean we will be unable to assist our customers in the USA!.......Rare Woods USA will remain open daily, Monday – Friday (except for the week between Christmas and New Year) and will be in the capable hands of Bob Putnam.
Bob joined our team in August this year and is an enthusiastic and valuable addition to our business.  He will do his best to assist you with all your enquiries. 
Call Bob on: 207.418.1125 or email him here
He is ably assisted by Cliff Burns who has joined our operation as a machinist and general warehouse assistant.

Warehouse improvements

Bob has made much needed improvements to the off cuts, turning blanks and small pieces area.
The off cuts are now sorted into bins and color coded for price (red, green & yellow bins) where pieces are sold by weight at  $10, $7, and $3 / lb , respectively.  You will find browsing for that perfect piece a whole lot easier and are likely to find some special exotic off cuts such as ebony, rosewood, tulipwood, among others.

 
                           Off cut racks                                                       Small pieces and off cuts

Expected soon

• We are soon to receive some Shedua/Ovangkol. It is very popular with guitar makers with great taptone and good color and figure.

                                      Shedua used to good effect to finish the  office at Rare Woods SA

• Also due in is some Heart pine 4/4 and 8/4. This wood was recovered from a New England textile mill set up 100 years ago.  The tree was probably 400 years old, making the wood 500 years old! Be amazed at the tight grain, the gorgeous rich color and aroma - they don't make it like this anymore???  See the pictures below and read about the history of heart pine here

                             

• We have new Cocobolo due in soon in 4/4 and 8/4 but all the 4/4 are shorts  -  fine for tools ……. But not too good for furniture. 

Holiday Closing:

We will be closed from the end of the business day on December 23  until Monday January 2, 2017.
Normal business hours (weather permitting) are Monday – Friday,  8am – 4pm.

I wish you all Happy Holidays and a superb winter crafting season.

Yours in fine woodworking

Rory