Replies

1. 
   mudman | Mar 20, 2006 06:25pm | #1

   Like you, I mean to try some out but I kep forgetting. I believe my supplier warned me it frays like Poplar or cheep "Mohagany".

   Mike

1. 
   BigK | Mar 20, 2006 06:47pm | #2

   Thanks Mudman. Since it looks like our kitchen remodel looks like the trial project for this product, that is the kind of info that I am looking for, the stuff that the distributor won't tell you about.
   At first my wife wanted red birch, she saw the kitchen that I was installing, and later the custom cabinets that I was making to augment what was already there. It is a real pretty wood but really experience and very unstable, doors will not stay straight no matter what. Also it is real hard on HS steel cutters (jointers and planers).
   So then she says that she wants cherry. That was until I explain to her that the wood will darken unevenly as the kitchen has a 4' square skylight in the center. I know that she doesn't like dark.
   Istumbled on the lyptus at a Rocklers. The color is right but it is a little pricey and they only carry 4/4, no ply or other thickness. So if that is the price then have to find another source. We'll see.
   Maybe I need to figure out another project to test this stuff on first before committing to such a large quantity.

2. 
   arkriver | Mar 20, 2006 07:01pm | #3

   The current issue of Woodsmith (164) has a brief writeup on Lyptus. It might give you a little help. It's a new one for me - I haven't even heard of the stuff.

1. 
   BigK | Mar 23, 2006 12:31pm | #4

   Thank you for the input. I will look for it. Hopefully it has more than just Weyerhauser's pitch on this product. I am seeking real world experience on this wood before we commit to using such a large quantity on the first project, off the top of my head guess probably 300 - 400 board feet, and I get to live with the end results.
   Hope that you have a good day.

   Edited 3/23/2006 5:34 am ET by BigK

1. 
   Ron01960 | Mar 23, 2006 03:16pm | #5

   Read this, I hope it answers some of your concerns.http://www.woodweb.com/cgi-bin/forums/gallery.pl?read=449087Ron

3. 
   YesIWood | Apr 01, 2006 12:46pm | #6

   BigK,

     I had your same feelings about Lyptus.  So I built a very nice head board for a queen size bed.  I enjoyed working with the wood but it splinters like no other wood I know of.  You will need to have the tweezers ready.  Be careful.  The wood took tools very well.  I finished the piece with "velvet oil".  It really made the wood's rich red color come alive and I have received nothing but compliments.

     Take the leap.  Get a small amout of Lyptus and work with it.  Make sure your bride likes the color, it is pretty rich.

   Joe

   Joe

   Is it really saw dust or wood dust?

1. 
   BigK | Apr 02, 2006 12:14pm | #7

   Joe,
   Thanks for the input. It is a color similar to Lyptus that she is looking for. Cherry was a previous choice, but not the way that it darkens.
   What is "velvet oil"? Is it Danish oil? Or a private recipe? Curious about that one. Again thanks for the info.

2. 
   Sawmillnc | Apr 20, 2006 06:05pm | #8

   pretty wood. Very dense. I would recommend using carbide for cutting or planing. It is a nice alternative to mahogany considering it is sustainable. I carry it from time to time.

4. 
   mousejockey | Apr 20, 2006 06:33pm | #9

   I made a large bookcase in Lyptus and other than a thousand tiny splinters I really liked it. It's harder than oak and better looking, seems stable, I've machined it, hand planed it, routed, no problems. I'm putting Lyptus flooring throughout the house, (as soon as I finish the stairs) 3/4" prefinished T&G. If they make flooring it should be good. I'm also redoing my stairs in it, I just picked up the newel post and handrail Tuesday. I wouldn't hesitate to do cabinets in Lyptus.

   As far as pricing you need to find out who's the distributer for it where you are, the local WWing stores carry 4/4 but the "distributor" has 4/4, 8/4, moulding, stair parts, their own flooring and plywood.

   Rockler was $5.90 bf and the distributor (Hardwood Industries) was $4.29 bf.

   Good luck,

   mousejockey

   Over the Hill? What Hill? I didn't see any Hill!
1. 
   Sawmillnc | Apr 21, 2006 08:29pm | #10

   you are over paying big time. Try an authorized weyerhaeuser disty and see what the price is.

1. 
   BigK | Apr 23, 2006 06:51am | #11

   Pricing is dependant on what part of the country you are in. Here in Denver lyptus ( and everything else) is quite a bit pricier. Rockler's charges $8/bd.ft. and hardwood lumberyard goes $6.11 per, with 10% it'll go for $5.51 per. But I am going to ask Rockler's to explain the wide pricing difference to me. The answer should prove interesting.

1. 
   Sawmillnc | Apr 27, 2006 04:48pm | #12

   I distribute Lyptus.. you are overpaying even with shipping included you could come out better.

1. 
   BigK | Apr 29, 2006 11:59am | #13

   Thanks for the possibility and potential savings, really appreciate that. I think that lyptus fell off of the wifes' list of possibilities the other day, now the color isn't what she thought. We are currently looking at other potentials. The current strong frontrunner is maple doors with wormy/spalted maple panels. I am preparing a sample as part of another job in the shop now. We'll see.
   Am I reading your screen name right, that you are in North Carolina?
   Have yourself a good day, regardless what the rest of the world is doing.