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I live in one of the few places where these trees grow. I have a stash that I got as dead and down from the forest, nothing great, but some good brace and laminated neck stock can still come out of what I have left. I almost have some widths that could make a parlor, but not quite.

In a conversation with a friend we discussed working with our tree trimmer friend who seems to have a knack of finding useful trees, we wondered if there is any real demand for the material and in what dimensions and rings per inch. I do have access to a wood mizer and even a kiln, as well as a horizontal resaw.

I notice the suppliers all have it listed as unavailable, is that because it is not in demand, or are the sources of Port Orford that limited.

Our local Opportunity Center (Outfit that trains disabled people to do certain work) has units of low grade Port Orford that they sell as fencing. I have actually found some good wood in there, but not much. I will scour their yard again shortly.

Any perspective on the harvesting of Port Orford from size to process to interest in the cut lumber would be appreciated.
Rob

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Port Orford is a wood? Tell me more as I am unfamiliar with it.

Thanks

Danny R. Little

Port Orford is a cedar known for its very high strength to weight ratio. It is pretty white in color and has a unique and intoxicating fragrance, which when freshly cut can be overpowering, but the smell fades over time. It is used as archery arrows and I believe some wooden aircraft parts, as well as for guitars. (To what extent I will hopefully find out from this post). In Japan the Shinto faith uses this wood specifically for their altars. Native Americans from these parts use it in rituals including putting chips on hot rocks in a sweat lodge.

That is about all I know, please correct me if I am wrong about anything in this description.
Rob

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The demand is there. Supply is the limiting factor. People look for the same things they would look for in spruce re grain.

As for converting timber to guitar parts, it can't really be covered on a forum unless you have a question about some detail.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Good point Howard, as usual. I understand the milling process is specific and huge topic on its own. I will certainly be asking questions as I get to that point, and would prefer to just dump logs off with some one who really can deal with this from the milling and selling perspective. LMI is a days drive from here, my hope is that I can deal with them to mill and distribute, or someone similar, or at least mill to their specs. I am not interested in becoming a tone wood distributor or a sawyer. I would love to trade the material for tools and other stuff I need, like a tour of Howard Klepper's shop with a Q and A session.

On the harvesting maple thread there seemed to be some specifics about harvesting that tree that came up. I was wondering if there are any specifics that port orford requires.
Rob

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Yes Port Orford Cedar is in demand and Yes, the supplies are limited.
It's really a member of the cypress family, as is it's close cousin the Alaskan Yellow Cedar.
Both make excellent top woods for stringed instruments.

You might contact Shane at http://highmountaintonewood.com/. He's a harvester/preparer of tone woods and he might be able to give you some insight. He's a sponsor here, too, and a great guy to deal with.

Harvesting and preparing wood for instruments is a tough job. If you have the heart for it and truly love the wood and what it can eventually do in the musical realm, then go for it.

If you decide to go further with this you might contact Chris Herrod at LMI to see what they can do for you as an outlet for the wood. Also Todd Taggart at Allied Luthiery for the same.

Good luck and let us know if you pursue this. I'm sure you will get some buyers from this forum.

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Hank Mauel

PORT ORFORD CEDAR? Fills the whole shop with that cedar aroma when we cut it. Great top wood.

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Beautiful and unusual tone woods at a reasonable price.
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It's also know as Lawson Cypress. I have seen terrific flamenco guitars (back and sides) made from it by Robert Ruck.

Max

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Max Bishop
Brighton, Michigan