Furniture timber in Melbourne Australia

[Emiliano Molina]

Does anyone know what is a good place to get furniture grade timber in Melbourne?

I am in the process of trying out my hand at woodworking. I've read a couple of books, bought some hand tools and the workbench book.

I've butchered some pine and now want to try my hand at making a workbench. The problem is that the only timber I can find nearby is:

1. Pine.
2. Miranti, I've read that it varies in quality, is imported (surely I can get some Australian wood cheaper) and that due to the grain structure it can be difficult to apply a stain to it.
3. Red Gum, which apparently can shrink quite a bit.
4. Cypress Pine which I can only get wet. Although I've been told that it does not shrink much as it dries I've found it a little hard to work wet, I get lots of tearout (I think that is what its called when the plane occasionaly takes out chunks).

I've looked at the current issue of 'Australian Woodworker' but the only Timber Suppliers were either in Tasmania or New South Wales.

Any help will be most welcome! A rough indicator of price would be nice too.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Emiliano Molina]

I did today, thanks!

Lots of wood species, never thought I would see so many, specially after looking around all the big stores.

The person I spoke to was very helpful and let me take some samples home.

Thanks again for the tip.

[Emiliano Molina]

Eastish, Cheltenham.

I've just had a look at the 'Shiver Me Timbers' website. It looks interesting and the price list is there too

for those that are interested.

I followed a couple of links from there and also found

which is just under the westgate.

There is also a search feature at the 'timbershop' website.

you all for your help.

Is there anything I should be careful about with recycled timber?

While I am asking questions, is there a website somewhere where I can learn a bit more about Australian timbers and their usage? My ignorance about this wasn't an issue until you guys pointed me to all these great sources of timbers, now I have so much choice I don't know what to buy!

[Glenn Cramond]

Couple of points,

Redgum sure does move. I bought some from a demolition project. The timber had been dry for 100 years. When I started sawing it whoofo. The fact remains however that if you persevere a bit you can make some nice items with Redgum and lets face it, the pub that was built from it 100 years ago was still standing and the timber in it was straight.

Gulpa sawmill in Deniliquin specialises in Redgum.

Second hand timber caution, hidden nails can wreck your blades, if you plan to use a lot of it get yourself a metal detector.

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