Where can I get some wood? Koa, Mahogany, Nara...

Not sure if this is the right spot for this post...
Anyway, I picked up a Frankel style, stacked rattan table this weekend. I has suffered years of neglect and been used for an outside plant stand. The top, which is currently oak, is all stained warped and split.
I think that the rattan will clean up well enough but I was hoping to fashion a new top for it.
So, can anyone recommend where I could find some nice wood, either Koa, Mahogany, Nara or something that would be fitting for a rattan table top? The top is about 36 inches square.
Aloha,
:tiki:

TR --
Sounds like another rattan resto project is about to get started! I'm also a cabinet maker (by hobby), and I've used cherry and mahogany for some of the cabinets I've built in the past. I get some of this lumber at Reel Lumber http://www.reellumber.com here in So Cal. I know they're not up where you are but if you research cabinet making suppliers in your area they might be able to point you in the right direction.

Oh, one more thing. From what I know, Koa is illegal to harvest so you'll probably have a big challenge getting some. Nara is its close cousin and should look similar when finished properly.

Good luck -- and post pics. I'd like to see that table!

**Poly-Pop ***

He who dies with the most broken mugs WINS!

[ Edited by: PolynesianPop on 2005-02-21 07:42 ]

Koa is illegal to harvest, unless you're Hawaiian, and you only remove already fallen trees...and you plant 12 in it's place. They don't want to loose the Koa like they did sandalwood.(had a loooong chat with a carver last summer)

Koa may not(legally) be exported in it's raw state, but if it's carved you can bring it home with you. I've been keeping my eyes open at the thrift shops for Kao bowls and the like, but all I seem to find is monkey pod. If I do find something made from Koa, I'll be sure to post here so that some carver can resurrect it as a tiki or whatever they like.

It's such a beautiful wood, reminds me of the stone "tiger eye"

Check these places out for Exotic wood and Plywood
http://www.woodnshop.com/hardwood/Mahogany_Plywood.htm
..
http://www.cookwoods.com/index.htm
..
http://www.hearnehardwoods.com/Inventory/InventoryLinks/PriceList.html
These are a few. Yoy may want to use a mahogany topped plywood as it will be more stable than solid wood and cheaper. You just need a rattan edging to apply.
Good luck.

Hey thanks you guys! These links are great... I'm thinking mahogany plywood or veneer is gonna be the way to go.

I'll make sure to post some before and after pics. This should be a fun challenge.

Aloha,
:tiki:

[ Edited by: Tiki Royale on 2005-02-21 21:33 ]