Handcrafted delights for your personal use.
A little bit about us
Here at Recycled Rimu we work mostly with Rimu and other native NZ timbers such as Totara, Matai and Kauri (when we can get it). On occasion we will also work with exotic woods particularly when we find some with a nice grain. But our preference is Rimu as it's hardy and relatively plentiful (if you know where to look). Given that these lovely native trees are no longer felled commercially the only timber typically available today is something recycled from a previous existence.
A little bit about Rimu (Dacrydium cupressinum)
A podocarp, Rimu is a very tall canopy tree that is (was)
found in forests throughout the North Island and the coastal
areas of the South Island, predominately the north, east and
south areas. Rimu is a graceful tree noted by its drooping,
flaky bark that is deep red in colour, and its swinging
branchlets. The fully mature tree has a straight trunk with
long lateral branches, the lower branches of the tree
atrophying and falling away. Its lifespan is
approximately 800 to 900 years. The straight trunk of the Rimu
is generally 1.5 m in diameter, but may be larger in old or
very tall specimens.
Historically, Rimu and other native trees such as kauri, matai
and totara were the main sources of wood for New Zealand,
including furniture and house construction. However, many of
New Zealand's original stands of Rimu have been destroyed, and
recent government policies forbid the felling of Rimu in
public forests, though allowing limited logging on private
land.
My Trusty Shed
Mine is truly a micro-workshop. Measuring barely 3.0mtr by 1.8mtr (10' by 6' in old money) there's room for me, my tools and not much else. I have things crammed in here so tight if I need to do something I generally have to move something else.
My essential tools are a tablesaw, a bandsaw, a belt/disc sander and an assortment of hand-tools. My ever dependable and indispensable shop-vac comprising an old domestic vacuum cleaner connected to a cyclone atop a bucket. I could not survive without that last piece, Rimu dust can be lethal
my work
I make a wide assortment of items for personal use and most make ideal gifts for friends, family and (in the corporate sector) customers. Most items can be personalised to order using our own laser engraver. I can include personal messages, names, company logos or pretty much anything you want (within reason)