Unusual wood used in model building

[grsjax]

I have previously posted about interesting wood that I have found/harvested here in Hawaii.  I am always looking to find new material for making parts.

I was wondering if anyone else does the same in their areas.

Please post info about unusual, strange or down right weird wood you have incorporated into a model.

 

To start things off I will mention two woods I have used.

Citrus x latifolia - 'Tahitian' lime This is the citrus tree not the Lime or Basswood common in models.  Nice hard, tight grained wood with a faint yellow color.

Hibiscus schizopetalus - 'Chandelier' Hibiscus This is a rather unusual ornamental plant that has bright red flowers that hang down and form a kind of lacey ball.  Wasn't expecting this to be usable wood.  However I dried a few pieces and found that the wood was fairly hard.  The wood is light tan in color and carves easily.

[clarkt]

I used to use wood from a guava tree.  It's pretty much like apple wood;  good to work with and no grain.   

[grsjax]

On 6/26/2025 at 5:27 AM, clarkt said:

wood from a guava tree

Great wood for carving.  As common as quava is here in Hawaii you don't see it used much in crafts and art.  Usually ends up being used to smoke meat.

[tmj]

This is a chunk of Black Mesquite. I love Mesquite in my BBQ pit and now I'm going to see how much I like it on my modeling bench. I have an upcoming build and want to use this for my keel, sternpost, stempost, deadwood and rising wood components. It's some hard stuff for sure. It's going to give my tools a good workout, offering lots of sharpening opportunities in my future! 😬

 

   

[grsjax]

Let us know how that works out.  Mesquite an interesting choice.  My limited experience with it was that it is hard as a rock.