I've just been to Aladin's Cave

Paul Barrett · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 10:37 am Post subject: I've just been to Aladin's Cave

Someone suggested Hexhamshire Hardwoods as a potential local supplier for me, of exotic hardwairds for toy making.

I have just been down to their workshop / shop in the middle of the countryside and it is Aladin's Cave. Equipment to die for and so many hardwoods that you don't know where to turn.

They feature on eBay but if you're in the area (just south of Hexham, Northumberland) they are worth a personal visit.

If, like me, you are intersted in toy making, then their offcuts are just what you need.

CHJ · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 11:51 am Post subject:

Thanks for the report Paul, they all help someone else determine if a trips worth while.
_________________
Chas, just a traveller on the road of time.
Bits & Pieces

Keefaz · Woodworker Joined: 18 May 2006 Posts: 103

I'm not too far away in sunny Newcastle. Might worth a gander...

PowerTool · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:38 pm Post subject:

Just got back from John Boddys at Boroughbridge,went to G&S Specialist Timbers near Penrith a couple of weeks ago - My daughter lives in Newcastle,so am planning to call in to Hexhamshire Hardwoods next time I'm visiting her,so nice to know it sounds like the trip will be well worth it Very Happy

Andrew
_________________
HAMMER ACTION - when all else fails !

cumbrian · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 12:55 pm Post subject:

Paul Barrett · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 1:31 pm Post subject:

duncanh · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 2:07 pm Post subject:

yes, Hexhamshire Hardwoods is a bit tricky to find isn't it - I've been twice and I still got lost the second time!

If you're after wood for turning near Newcastle then try Keenleysides in Bedlington Station - just off the A189. It's where the Northumbrian woodturners meet. They also sell turning tools and a few other wood tools.

Duncan

PowerTool · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

Paul - thanks for the directions (may have hesitated at the "no through road" bit..)

Duncan - thanks for the information - may try to fit in a visit there as well

Cumbrian - yes,very friendly people.Place is not very big,but has plenty to look at.Good selection of machinery and tools;they do bowl blanks and spindle blanks,as well as boards.I quite enjoyed looking round their selection of board offcuts and bargain bundles (but have been kicking myself for not buying a lovely purpleheart board while I was there Crying or Very sad

- thought John Boddys might have had some,but didn't Sad

)

John Boddys - now there is a big place.The self-selection wood store (designed for smaller/hobby users) made it well worth the ride out.

Andrew
_________________
HAMMER ACTION - when all else fails !

duncanh · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 2:58 pm Post subject:

Just remembered - another shop with a reasonable supply of turning wood is Snainton's where I got my lathe from. The wood store is very well laid out http://www.snaintonwoodturning.co.uk/index.html
They also have quit a few tools

lugo35 · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 6:21 pm Post subject:

whats there ebay user name to find out what there selling?????

Paul Barrett · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:17 pm Post subject:

lugo35 · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:27 pm Post subject:

thanks for that Very Happy

Paul Barrett · Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:29 pm Post subject:

The eBay entries seem to be limited to bowl blanks. For anything else you need to use the old dog and bone

PowerTool · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 4:35 pm Post subject:

Been today - Paul,thanks for the directions - they were spot on! (Not sure I would have found it otherwise - actually,the bloke who served me said they have a customer from Cambridge who mail-orders a lot,was up in the North so went to go and visit - got as far as the crossroads,lost the signal on his mobile to be able to ring for directions,and never found the place Sad

)
Small shop,but well-stocked with interesting timbers,and very friendly and enthusiastic staff.
Came away with some lemonwood,padauk,beech,lime,purpleheart,goncalo alves and tambooti (never heard of tambooti before,but it looked nice..)
They also stock laburnum,ebony,lignum vitae,zebrano to name some of them I can remember - and are supposed to be getting Ancient Kauri in stock in October.

Small windy roads,but scenery,stock and service all excellent Very Happy

Andrew
_________________
HAMMER ACTION - when all else fails !

Paul Barrett · Posted: Sat Sep 23, 2006 10:38 pm Post subject: