Figured walnut

[stephen45710]

I'm looking to buy figured walnut at least 20" x 3.5" x 1". I plan to resaw into 1/8" veneers and use as decorative outside to an all-walnut banjo. I've done this successfully with curly and quilted maple, but not walnut. I should probably avoid pieces with knots. Let me know if you have anything that fits that description. Thanks.

 

[Arn213]

I don’t have any available, but have had a good amount of figured claro walnut and eastern black walnut in the past- different density and heartwood color. The eastern walnut tends to be really dark in hue and the claro walnut is medium in hue. The claro tends be the popular choice in luthier building- Taylor Guitars is one of the companies that promotes Claro walnut in both acoustic and electric guitars. There is also Bastogne walnut which is also gorgeous in figured form. I probably would stay away from any crotch, feather crotch and wild grain. Quarter sawn, vertical grain would be ideal for your application without knots and burls. On a side note, I think it would be a great tandem is you use a burl walnut for your headstock as an overlay. IMHO. Good luck.

 

[rob3232]

These two pieces are 8 1/2 x 23 x 1 1/8 Curly/Quilt figure. Rough sawn air dried. Cut 8/2020. I can take more pictures for you if you want?

 

[rob3232]

Misted with water.

 

[Tony]

@Mike1950 normally has some incredible walnut.

 

[Mike1950]

@Mike1950 normally has some incredible walnut.

I am so far behind- This is why I did not chime in
But thanks Buddy!!

 

[stephen45710]

@rob3232 Thank you for offering those. I’m going to hold out hoping for something with more pronounced figure. @Mike1950 I’m not in a hurry, if you get caught up and have something please let me know.

ideally, looking for something like this.

 

[Arn213]

Not to stray from your game plan, but walnut and koa has similar tonal properties. Actually, when koa is not available, walnut is used as the second alternative. That size you need are the dimensions required for ukulele sides. I think you should give Hawaiian curly koa a shot and once you use it, there is no going back.

 

[stephen45710]

Not to stray from your game plan, but walnut and koa has similar tonal properties. Actually, when koa is not available, walnut is used as the second alternative. That size you need are the dimensions required for ukulele sides. I think you should give Hawaiian curly koa a shot and once you use it, there is no going back.

This is a great idea. I’ll can build one of each! Do you know of a good source for curly Koa?

 

[Arn213]

This is a great idea. I’ll can build one of each! Do you know of a good source for curly Koa?

Let me work on that for you Stephen. Stand by.......

 

[Jonkou]

Years dry Claro Walnut Burl veneer core for your consideration, 13 1/2 x 24” weighs 72.9 lbs, would have to ship UPS or FEDEX from 03810.

 

[stephen45710]

Years dry Claro Walnut Burl veneer core for your consideration, 13 1/2 x 24” weighs 72.9 lbs, would have to ship UPS or FEDEX from 03810.

View attachment 209211View attachment 209212View attachment 209213

Wow! That is huge. What is cost for this piece?

 

[Arn213]

@stephen45710 - you can widen your search and find availability to what is out there if you shrink the thickness dimensions. You only need about 7/16” to 1/2” to get a book-matched 1/8” side. Even that at 1/8” is thick and usually the side walls (a as far as uke and acoustic guitars) are .100” or less. You also mentioned you only need it for aesthetics and not for structural integrity.

 

[Arn213]

@stephen45710 - sending you a pm with a lead. Arn

 

[rob3232]

Stephen, Here is a piece of Koa for your consideration. The total length is 35 1/2" The marked area is 3 3/8" wide. The wood to the left of the marked area is a little punky. (in case it doesn't show in the picture) There are also five small worm holes that are shallow, they do not go through to the other side. Let me know if you have any questions or would like more pictures?

 

[rob3232]

Forgot to add that it is rough sawn 1/2” thick.

 

[stephen45710]

That is nice! What is dark patches on first picture? How thick is the piece?

 

[rob3232]

What is dark patches on first picture? How thick is the piece?

I believe that they are water marks. Rough sawn 1/2"

 

[stephen45710]

I need to be able to cut two 19" veneers. I'm afraid of that water stain; is there any way to guess how deep a stain like that usually goes? What is the price of the piece?

 

[rob3232]

is there any way to guess how deep a stain like that usually goes? What is the price of the piece?

Sorry, I don't know for sure. I sanded it a little with 220. I dont know if that helps or not. as far as price it would be $60 plus shipping.