Just in time for the holidays.

Here is a chance for you to clear out your scrap bins and get some unique, personalized stocking stuffers in return.

I am a maker of small woodstuffs. The most popular being my name keychains.

I recently sent out a mailer to dealers of domestic and exotic hardwoods, asking them to sell me figured scrap/cutoffs by the pound. Out of about 15 dealers, only one replied with a reasonable deal.

I started thinking about how I am with my scraps and how other woodworkers save every last little piece of their precious stock and then I thought of this idea.

Here is my proposal.

For every 2 pounds of interesting or figured hardwood you send me, I will carve you one (1) name keychain (retail price $6.00) either out of the wood you send me or of the oak, walnut and maple I have in stock, your choice.

Here are my guidelines for the deal;
1. You have to identify the wood(s) you send me. I am not that knowledgable about exotic and uncommon domestic woods, so I’ll trust your judgement.
2. Wood must be dry. Kiln dried or air dried to a minimum 10-12%
3. Woods of oak density or harder only. (I can’t use poplar or balsa or other soft hardwoods)
4. No pieces smaller than 5/8 × 5/8 × 3”.
5. You pay postage for what you send me. I pay postage for what I send you.

Wood formerly used in fine furniture acceptable if interesting (ie. Crotch mahogany, burl figured).

I am flexible. If you have any other ideas for swap, I’d be open to suggestions.

See the listings below for an idea of what I do.