I like to use recycled timber for my boards and platters. But there are limited opportunities near where I live to obtain commercially provided recycled timber. So, my solution is to look out for free or cheap old furniture that I can pull apart.
Tables have been a common source of material and they are excellent for my work. A single table-top can provide the raw material for a large number of boards or platters. They also have the advantage that there is a fairly high supply but low demand for second hand tables.
I have found that hardwood tables are commonly imported from places like Malaysia. They are generally made from rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis) which gives a nice light coloured surface which is ideal for my laser engraving.
But on a number of occasions I have obtained a piece of furniture without knowing what the timber is.
After a bit of hunting around on the internet, I came across a site titled ‘The Wood Database (https://www.wood-database.com/). This site is great because it gives me pictures clearly showing the grain and especially the end grain. These make it much easier identifying the timber I’ve got hold of.
While the site is US based it has an great collection of Australian timbers. It is also constantly being updated.
