Cocobolo questions

[Chalks]

Hi there everyone.

I think this will be simple for those here with experience and I need some more of that. I am considering some really nice Cocobola for something down the track.

1. Is Cocobola regulated under CITES?
2. I hear it is difficult to glue because of the oilyness of the timber. If I clean the edges with acetone, as I do with EIR, will that do the job? If not what do you do?
4. Because of the oils in the wood will a finish be tough to put on? Maybe a FP finish.
3. Is it difficult to bend and work?

Thanks for sharing the know how on this site.

Greg

[Nick]

Never used Cocobolo Greg but I've heard that the sawdust from it can be a great respiratory irritant so a mask worn at all times is a great idea. Don't think it's CITIES listed either (at least I've never heard it spoken about in CITIES posts). I seem to remember Wayne's built with it, yeah here we go viewtopic.php?f=25&t=4000 so he may see this post & pass on his experience to the rest of us, if not maybe a PM to him?

[Chalks]

Thanks Nick. Nice sounding gutar! I hope Wayne comes on otherwise I might PM him.

Greg

[peter.coombe]

Cocobolo most certainly is CITES listed, but not under Appendix I. It is listed under Appendix III, and only listed for Panama and Guatemala. So wood coming from Mexico should be ok, but make sure you can prove it comes from Mexico if you are importing, or it might be confiscated. Appendix III means any raw form of the wood i.e. logs, sawn wood and veneer is prohibited, finished articles are ok. So, guitar sets from Panama or Guatemala are a prohibited import without any CITES documentation. A further complication is Australia applies tougher rules than that which applies in the treaty for some CITES listed species, so you may not be able to import any Cocobolo. So, check with Aussie Customs before you try to import. I would expect if it comes from Mexico then you should be ok.

I have never used it so can't answer your other questions.

Peter

[peter.coombe]

Just discovered that Cocobolo grows is other countries as well. So, if it comes from Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras or Nicaragua then you shold be ok. However, the issue is being able to prove the source, and from an ethical point of view that it was not illegally logged. Almost impossible. LMI do not send Cocobolo outside the USA.

Peter

[Chalks]

Hi Peter,

I just checked with Aus Customs. They said the particular species is CITES register, as did you Peter, but only for Panama and Guatemala. If its origin is not from there the import must be clearly identified. Very much as you said.

You're the man! Thanks for the advice.

Greg

[Allen]

I've used Coco a couple of times and find the dust to be fairly irritating, and the smell, while not unpleasant does not necessarily agree with me either. I've used HHG for it and haven't had issues. One instrument I built a couple years ago I still have and it's held together perfectly.

It does bleed colour into adjacent woods like nothing I've ever seen before. So if it's close to a light coloured wood like spruce, you had better plan your work very well. I sealed the surfaces first by wiping on a thin coat of shellac. Made the mistake of dragging the cloth across the spruce and ended up with great smears of red / orange. Next time I very carefully wiped on shellac just to the Coco itself in order to seal it off. But I did notice some bleed of colour when I sprayed the lacquer topcoats. It was subtle, but still there.

[Bob Connor]

I haven't had too much trouble with coco.

I did join the back with epoxy just as insurance. I quite like the smell of it and it doesn't irritate me (yet)

I had a couple of sets arrive from the US before Christmas and there were no questions asked by AQUIS or Customs.

Regards

[Chalks]

Thanks guys. After speaking with Customs I emailed the seller. I am advised he has CITES documentation and appears to be reputable. Aaron Hix. Anybody had any unfavourable dealings?

Greg

[Kamusur]

Greg only favourable dealings with him and the product was good.

Steve

P.S. Keep away from that set I have my eyes on it too!

[Chalks]

I obviously missed it. How about you?

I might need to change my Ebay handle. Bit of a give away now.

Greg