Obtaining Monterey Cypress?

[BHuij]

I'd like to make a gift pen for my sister who is moving away from the Bay Area, but really loved living there. The pen is conceptualized and designed, but I need to source some Monterey Cypress (at least one pen blank worth). I can find plenty of Cypress pen blanks, but they're usually the more common swamp type found in the south. Can't seem to find any blanks made from actual Monterey Cypress.

Anyone have any leads on where I might find some? If you live in or around the Bay Area, I'd pay for a halfway decent stick you find on the ground at this point

 

[KenB259]

I found this on Etsy, looks big enough for several blanks. The etching can just be sanded off, if it's thick enough.

 

[GaryMGg]

Here you go:

Monterey Cypress Turning Square

This Monterey Cypress log was seasoned for several years before being milled into woodturning blanks. As a result, the wood has lost roughly half of its original moisture and is considered partially air dried. There are areas of nice fiddleback in some blanks. An occasional end or surface check...

www.cookwoods.com

NB: keep in mind, there's no way to know if the monterey cypress is from the bay area or other places, such as Hawaii.

 

[Jay]

Andrew,
I have some left over pieces of Monterey Cypress from Morro Bay. (Not the "Bay Area", but it is a California Bay south of San Francisco) The problem is that it is fairly wet wood having been recently cut. Attached is a photo of two pieces I recently turned while still wet. No cracking, but considerable shrinkage on some of the wild grain. I can see if I have a piece or two that would be good for a pen blank and ship it to you in one of those USPS small boxes. You can try drying it in a microwave if you are worried about cracking. You can send me a check for the shipping after you get the box or you can get a box and stuff it with some local wood from your area and send it to me. Your choice. Send me a PM with your mailing address.
Jay

 

[Jay]

Will 5 inch length be okay or do you need longer?
Jay

 

[BHuij]

Will 5 inch length be okay or do you need longer?
Jay

5" should be great!

 

[Jay]

I will get it out in tomorrow's mail.