Old Woodturner’s Stash

[Isaac Litster]

This this the collection of the woodturning guru in my town. He donated numerous garbage bins of blanks and roughed pieces to half a dozen people in town, and seems to have more and more everywhere. He invited me to his shop, which was up the road from me my entire life, unbeknownst to me. He has given much of his wood away, as he has sold most of his tools and is 87. Hopefully I am in line for a chance at some of this. I am posting this because I am curious what other people might know about the value of some of these pieces. I asked him if I could take some pictures to ask, so he is okay with this.
Some pieces that stood out were a 9x8x6 pink ivory half log, Blackwood bowl blanks, cocobolo 2x4x24, ironwood ranging from 4x6x30 to 8x8x6. In the second picture there are boards all exotic. Most of the larger boards are quebracho, mistol, curapay, tulipwood, quina, and Peruvian walnut. I’ve heard of most of these woods, but I don’t know where someone would come across entire boards of quebracho, or fiddleback Brazilian rosewood. The prices are old, such that 6x6x36 of tulipwood says $70. How rare are some of these, and when he sells them (which will be soon he says) what should I keep my eye on?
In other words, what should I make sure doesn’t end up being donated to the school for a freshman to use for their first bowl attempt?

 

[Raif Harik]

I'm sure there's tons of good stuff in there. after a quick scan I see that Norfolk Pine which is really awesome stuff.

 

[Isaac Litster]

I'm sure there's tons of good stuff in there. after a quick scan I see that Norfolk Pine which is really awesome stuff.

I'm fairly sure the large vessel on the left is NIP as well.

 

[John K Jordan]

An amazing stash. I acquired some amazing cocobolo that way.

Be aware of one thing. Depending on how the wood is stored (in a close shop or shed/barn) some might be infested with powder post beetles. Someone I know found this out the hard way when cutting into a piece from someone big wood give-a-way. Look at the undisturbed wood carefully for signs (tiny holes and frass.) Watch for end grain checking too in case the wood was put up damp.

Note that "ironwood" is a generic name and basically means "very hard wood" to almost every culture. Difficult to know the species from that name.

Another thing to be aware of - some "exotics" can turn very dark from the outside in over the decades so for old wood the color may be affected for some depth from the surface.

Can't guess on the prices but I'd make a road trip and bring a pocket full of $100 bills for a piece of Brazilian Tulipwood that size. Or the pink ivory. Some of those species are getting rare.

If his idea is to maximize the $$ of the sale, the best thing might be an online auction. But that would take someone a LOT of work, careful examination, measurements and good photos of each piece, shipping, etc.

JKJ

 

[Jon Rista]

Boy, a lot to drool over in that stash!! Some of those boards look like they have plenty of figure in them. Looks like there are plenty of burl and such in the other blanks. That pile of wood is a darn big pile of money, IMO!

 

[Richard Coers]

Make sure to watch for powder post beetle holes and frass laying around the wood. Old stashes are notorious for bugs, especially those with bark on them. PPB just love rough wood for laying eggs, and other bugs prefer living under bark. Rarity has little value if you bring home PPB infested wood.

 

[Isaac Litster]

An amazing stash. I acquired some amazing cocobolo that way.

Be aware of one thing. Depending on how the wood is stored (in a close shop or shed/barn) some might be infested with powder post beetles. Someone I know found this out the hard way when cutting into a piece from someone big wood give-a-way. Look at the undisturbed wood carefully for signs (tiny holes and frass.) Watch for end grain checking too in case the wood was put up damp.

Note that "ironwood" is a generic name and basically means "very hard wood" to almost every culture. Difficult to know the species from that name.

Another thing to be aware of - some "exotics" can turn very dark from the outside in over the decades so for old wood the color may be affected for some depth from the surface.

Can't guess on the prices but I'd make a road trip and bring a pocket full of $100 bills for a piece of Brazilian Tulipwood that size. Or the pink ivory. Some of those species are getting rare.

If his idea is to maximize the $$ of the sale, the best thing might be an online auction. But that would take someone a LOT of work, careful examination, measurements and good photos of each piece, shipping, etc.

JKJ

I talked to him again today, he must have a lot of money, which is why he can afford to give away his turnings. He also appears to have spent many years doing missionary work in Africa, South America, and Central America, which could explain his extensive collection of rare and expensive species from there.

The ironwood is desert ironwood from Mexico.

Many pests don't live here. It is too cold and too wet for nearly all cold-blooded animals. Powderpost beetles usually die if they come here. The wood is currently in a makeshift shed consisting of tarps and shipping containers. No insulation, and the floor is a couple of plywood sheets set on a gravel/mud foundation. The problem is most likely to be that they will need to dry again, as it is cold and damp.

I don't think he cares about maximizing his profits, so I'm unsure why he is selling these when he has given everything else away. Whenever I mention I am looking to turn something, he shows up with a box of supplies, so I am wondering what his pricing will be. It's a tough situation, because if he asks $1000 for the 50lb Tulipwood beam, I am torn between my hesitancy to cough that up, and shuddering at the thought of it ending up going to someone who doesn't care. Someone who doesn't see any difference between walnut and mesquite, and would prefer both over tulipwood, because they know walnut is nice for furniture.

 

[Isaac Litster]

Make sure to watch for powder post beetle holes and frass laying around the wood. Old stashes are notorious for bugs, especially those with bark on them. PPB just love rough wood for laying eggs, and other bugs prefer living under bark. Rarity has little value if you bring home PPB infested wood.

I haven't seen any PPB in SE AK. Too cold and wet. Nothing is dry or warm. I will check, though.

 

[Isaac Litster]

Boy, a lot to drool over in that stash!! Some of those boards look like they have plenty of figure in them. Looks like there are plenty of burl and such in the other blanks. That pile of wood is a darn big pile of money, IMO!

The only problem is that there are about half a dozen people on the island who even own a lathe, and outside of my dad and I, and the man selling it, there aren't many people who might want to buy anything. The risk is then who will end up with something expensive, when nobody knows what it is, or how valuable it is.

 

[Gabriel Hoff]

I talked to him again today, he must have a lot of money, which is why he can afford to give away his turnings. He also appears to have spent many years doing missionary work in Africa, South America, and Central America, which could explain his extensive collection of rare and expensive species from there.

The ironwood is desert ironwood from Mexico.

Many pests don't live here. It is too cold and too wet for nearly all cold-blooded animals. Powderpost beetles usually die if they come here. The wood is currently in a makeshift shed consisting of tarps and shipping containers. No insulation, and the floor is a couple of plywood sheets set on a gravel/mud foundation. The problem is most likely to be that they will need to dry again, as it is cold and damp.

I don't think he cares about maximizing his profits, so I'm unsure why he is selling these when he has given everything else away. Whenever I mention I am looking to turn something, he shows up with a box of supplies, so I am wondering what his pricing will be. It's a tough situation, because if he asks $1000 for the 50lb Tulipwood beam, I am torn between my hesitancy to cough that up, and shuddering at the thought of it ending up going to someone who doesn't care. Someone who doesn't see any difference between walnut and mesquite, and would prefer both over tulipwood, because they know walnut is nice for furniture.

Wow Issac, that is impressive. I would definitely pay for the Brazilian Rosewood, that is a wood I have been looking for. How much is he asking for that?

That's real neat that he was a missionary, imagine preaching and collecting wood, definitely a life worth the calling!

 

[Jon Rista]

The only problem is that there are about half a dozen people on the island who even own a lathe, and outside of my dad and I, and the man selling it, there aren't many people who might want to buy anything. The risk is then who will end up with something expensive, when nobody knows what it is, or how valuable it is.

Yeah, that is a bummer. I would think, though, if they could put up some listings online, there might be more people who would be willing to either pay the shipping to get them, or head to the island to pick them up. Some of those figured boards, I have to figure some people might be willing and able to do that.

Another option might be, to contact a major seller of woods. The one that comes to mind for me is Cook Woods, only because they are who I've purchased most of my wood from. I see a lot of the same kinds of boards on their site. Their prices are pretty high, so, maybe you could still get a decent price if you sold a lot (or even the whole lot) to them, or someone like them.

 

[Kevin Jesequel]

Lots of good stuff in there. It doesn’t sound like he is looking for a profit. I’d figure out how much you want to spend and ask him what you could get for that amount. I have a feeling you will walk away happy. Definitely examine the wood for checking, many exotics (especially rosewoods) oxidize when exposed to air and any cracks will be discolored deep into the blank.of course some of those exotics have become so scarce that they are worth working with in almost any condition. Others, like the desert ironwood will inherently have cracks.

 

[Dean Center]

I suggest your first step is to go hang out with this guy. His noggin has 3 encyclopedias of woodworking knowledge and tips, and his travels have given him some fascinating insight into humankind. I bet he cares more about the wood being appreciated and used than he does about maximizing the sale price. (Plus, can you imagine the hassle of trying to sell it off the island?)

If you guys become buddies, you will learn a lot about woodworking, life, and the world off the island, and he'll feel like his experience is valued and his life worthwhile. He might just be the most interesting person on the island. Everybody wins.

 

[Isaac Litster]

Wow Issac, that is impressive. I would definitely pay for the Brazilian Rosewood, that is a wood I have been looking for. How much is he asking for that?

That's real neat that he was a missionary, imagine preaching and collecting wood, definitely a life worth the calling!

He only mentioned that he is going to have a sale, but nothing's official. The boards display the name and a price, but the price may reflect the cost it was when he acquired it many years ago. If that is the case, 2 x 6 x 34 "Brazilian Rosewood figured fiddleback" is $45.

 

[robo hippy]

A local guy who was 2 time president of the International Wood Collector's Society had a "sale". I bought all sorts of woods I can't pronounce and had never heard of. I picked up some American Chestnut slabs, 18 to 24 inches wide and 8 feet long for max $20 a board. I have more wood than I need.....

robo hippy

 

[Aaron Harris]

Wow, now THAT is a stash! (And I no longer feel too guilty about mine). I often say I'm like one of those old hoarding cat ladies, except with wood.

 

[John K Jordan]

I picked up some American Chestnut slabs, 18 to 24 inches wide and 8 feet long

Now THAT was a find.C
A guy I knew was dredging a creek and they pulled a submerged American Chestnut log from the mud. Had it sawn into boards, most 4/4. Gave me a load. Another guy gave me a part of a barn post 6x6x5'.

(It's amazing what kind of woods they used in barns. All the support posts in my 100+ year old barn are cedar trees. Replaced the roof - the old perlins were made from everything: poplar, walnut, cherry, persimmon, oak, etc. The siding is mostly oak. I ripped off some and replaced it with cedar - anyone need some old, weathered barn wood?

I really like turning the Am. Chestnut when I can find it, the wormier the better.


One of these is American Chestnut. There's a prize for whoever finds it first.


JKJ

 

[Will Armstrong]

I suggest your first step is to go hang out with this guy. His noggin has 3 encyclopedias of woodworking knowledge and tips, and his travels have given him some fascinating insight into humankind. I bet he cares more about the wood being appreciated and used than he does about maximizing the sale price. (Plus, can you imagine the hassle of trying to sell it off the island?)

If you guys become buddies, you will learn a lot about woodworking, life, and the world off the island, and he'll feel like his experience is valued and his life worthwhile. He might just be the most interesting person on the island. Everybody wins.

I agree with Dean 100%. Once you are friends then maybe he would consider giving you a great price for the lot. He would trust that it was going to a good place, and save him the hassle of selling it piecemeal. I am not suggesting taking advantage of him in any way, just letting him know you would be a good custodian of these treasures. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Chris Seymour]

What a great stash. I agree with Will and Dean, I bet he would love to talk turning with you. Information you could get from him would probably be priceless.
Good luck.

 

[Alan Vandergriff]

Issac,

My suggestion is to see if he would mentor you with your turning and see what you can learn from him. As was said he has a lot of valuable information and he may be willing to use it to help you become a better turner. I know from experience how valuable a mentor can be, I had one of the best in our area (Ed Lewis) and still seek his advise when I can get over to see him. I would be no where near the turner I am without his teaching.. all it takes is to ask a question and some time if he says OK.

Alan V

 

[John K Jordan]

Issac,

My suggestion is to see if he would mentor you with your turning and see what you can learn from him. As was said he has a lot of valuable information and he may be willing to use it to help you become a better turner. I know from experience how valuable a mentor can be, I had one of the best in our area (Ed Lewis) and still seek his advise when I can get over to see him. I would be no where near the turner I am without his teaching.. all it takes is to ask a question and some time if he says OK.

Alan V

Ed is great! I haven't had lathe time with him but I know some who have.

JKJ