Who buys Koa Wood slabs/suggestions on sale?
An old family friend has a selection of Koa wood that he is interested in selling (See Pics) they are rough sawn slabs ranging in size from 18″x5″x.75″ all the way up to 15″x65x2″. Roughly 50+- pieces. There is a myriad of grades in the stack and all different sizes. He is in declining health and has asked me to research the sale of the wood. It is located in California.
I am a hobby guitar builder and have taken a few slabs, which is probably a lifetime supply for me.
I have looked online and can find a number of retailers, that would perhaps purchase the wood, but I’m unsure if this is the best route to go. For me, I’m probably an idiot for helping, but I guess that’s what friends are for.
I’m looking for any suggestions, sites, or places that I could explore the sale of the wood for him. I’m not sure if selling individual pieces is the way to go, as this would probably fall to me to accomplish.
So, just seeing if anyone in the group has any ideas. Thanks in advance.
Replies
California- where?
South SF Bay Area
I don't know how to private message on this forum but tat would seem the way to go. I'm in the Northbay.
What's his goal? Get it all out of there quick, or maximize profit?
If you sell by the piece, consider the impact of shipping costs.
I have a small mixed hardwood forest in WV that I purchased when I was 21 and I live in California. Shipping is a headache that you want to avoid. If the op returns I would like to get together with him for some or all depending and I can just drive to where it's located.
Ranger & Pants, if you both use the contact form on the website you'll find in my profile I'll put you in touch. Make sure you mention FWW forum Koa lumber in your notes. I've done this or many forum members in the past.
You could look for a local luthier as a potential buyer vs a wood retailer that will offer you a wholesale price.
You could reach out to the local woodworking clubs (Mount Diablo Woodworkers in East Bay for example) and most clubs will send out info to their members. You could also go to Woodcraft in San Carlos and put the info up on their cork board near the bathrooms (same for Rockler in Walnut Creek).
So I left my contact information with mj( see previous post). I am interested in acquiring some koa wood for an immediate project and maybe future projects. I could drive down to have a look, so text or call.
How can I contact RangerDick about the Koa? I'm in the south San Francisco Bay area.
RangerDick, send your contact info through the contact form and I'll put you in touch with Pantalones. Same for you Dennis, if RD makes contact of course.
How do I send my contact information using the contact form? Thanks.
I did it. You fill out the form and submit it.
It's beginning to appear that Ranger Dick has taken a powder but if he does reappear maybe the two of us could collaborate rather than compete since we are in the same area. From where I live it takes me about 45 minutes to get to the store or gas station and into the city only an additional 15 minutes so anywhere in the bayarea is close to home to my thinking. From the photo there appears to be more koa than my immediate needs. I'm pretty maxed out for lumberstorage as it is but I have a commission and I haven't started because I am not happy with what I have on hand. When I saw Koa however I thought -now that would work!
I just noticed that you are in the North Bay. I have a colleague up that way who over a year ago had a storm knock down a bunch of oak trees. I helped him find a saywer to get the wood cut into lumber. He'd like to have some outdoor dining tables build from the oak and I've yet found someone interested in doing the work. I can send you more info if you'd like. Wood likely still needs 6 months to a year to air dry. I can be reached at [email protected].
Hi Pantalones868.
Sorry, been up to my eyes in a substantial remodel and a ton of other projects, so was neglecting this forum. I am still looking for my friend to get rid of the Koa. He's been out of the area for awhile though. I will attempt to PM you as well to get this conversation off line. Like you, still trying to figure this out.
All,
Thanks for all the input. I've been very busy with a bunch of other things too, so this took a back burner. I just wanted to update this post and attach some pics of a Fender Telecaster Thinline I'm making with the Koa I got. Roughly .20" top and back. Massaruba body. The finish is a Nitro lacquer sanding sealer and pore filler. I'm currently spraying a clear Nitro Lacquer on it as the final finish This stuff is beautiful wood.
A good contact email is [email protected]. Please put Koa or something like that in the subject line so I know its not spam. Thanks and sorry for the delay