Thread: Monkey puzzle tree scales?

I have been thinking of making my first set of scales, Does anybody have any nice pictures of some scales made from Araucaria araucana or monkey puzzle tree, monkey tail tree, Chilean pine, or pehuén wood?

I have been told that It is a nice decorative wood to use in woodwork?

I am just looking at options really.

The pics are for those who are unfamiliar with this tree/wood.

Thanks.

Seeing as how it is described as a type of pine (softwood) and is on the endangered species list, I think I would pass on it. Hardwoods suit scales better, IMO.

Regards,Neil

I don't know the specifics of that wood but generally speaking you need a reasonably hard wood that is also heavy and, preferably to my mind, also oily. It helps if the wood has a distinctive tight grain - otherwise the scales can look bland and colourless. That's why people go for exotic woods such as Cocobolo, rosewood, snake wood, burls etc - they all have distinctive grains or patterns. You can use a softer wood if it has the right finish on it but they are just too prone to damage in my opinion and dont have the right balance.

Ok, well thanks for the advice, the only reason I considered it, is because I have read that it was the hardest of the pine family, plus I can get it in abundance from a friend who is a tree surgeon/logger.
I will look into the woods listed above and see what I can get my hands on.

Thanks.

It could be interesting to give it a try if you already have it, I've seen some striking looking pots turned from monkey puzzle. You could look into getting it stabilised if the density is a problem.

You regularly see overgrown trees in front gardens and I imagine they just end up as sawdust as it probably makes rotten fire wood.

You could look into getting it stabilized to increase desirable properties.

How about looking into stabilisation if density is a problem?

Er, this hasn't been mentioned already, has it?

Just kidding, two Mikes!

Regards,
Neil