Wood Question

[PrplHrtJarHead]

I should have put this in my last thread, but didn't think of it until I posted it.

Anyway, the woodshop I mentioned that I currently work out of sells pretty darn good rough sawn lumber for projects at great prices. The problem is that the curio I want to build is supposed to be made from mohogany. The shop is out and is not getting their next shipment until the week after next, not nearly enough time for this rook to get the project done.

I have looked at some of their other woods that are stocked in quantity right now and have decided to go with oak. Is there much difference between red and white oak in terms of workability and finished appearance?

I know I can match up stains and get pretty close to the mohagany pieces we currently have, but if y'all had your choice, Red or White Oak?

 

[PrplHrtJarHead]

Sorry folks...

I had to cut out for a while. My wife has two real annoying habits....reading over my shoulder and the even more dreaded "honeydew things."

Anyway, I'd appreciate any input on the choice of wood and whatever differences there may be between how red and white oak compare to each other in finish and workability and stuff.

Thanks.

 

[DaveO]

If you have decided to go with Oak I would recommend White over Red. Red Oak will take a bunch of filler to level the grain and look anywhere close to Mahogany. White Oak is harder to work with, but is a better wood IMHO. If available you might consider Cherry, or even soft Maple, they will stain up very close to Mahogany, with the right techinques. Or they both look really nice without any alterations. That's my .02, let the stoning commence. Dave Also you could consider Lypus, a sustanable harvested Mahogany look-a-like, if you can find it.

 

[clowman]

Ahh... beaten to the post again by Dave... I was also going to note that red oak is pretty porous, and the grain will be hard, if even possible to match the mohogany.

 

[PrplHrtJarHead]

Dave...Your signature line is awesome! I knew I couldn't be the only one who finds there is a project to be done, but only as an excuse to buy the next tool I want!

Red Oak is something I have never worked with before, hence the querry. I was completely unaware of the more porous grain of it.

My first "job" was helping my old man (a retired master cabinet/custom window guy) stain and finish his cabinet work. He was/is a pretty dang good teacher. Anyway, I learned a lot about stains and finishes and developed a decent eye for a good piece of stock when I'd go with him to pick out stock for the cabinets he made. [At Anderson and Geld-wen, he combined for 45 years of custom window work] My point being, sorry for the side bar, that I learned how to finish and pick good stock, but never much about the wood itself, he really stuck to oak, cherry and mohogany. Occasionally there was some cedar, but those were things for mom, sisters and daughters in law.

I'm real curious about this Lypus? Is it an import also or is it a regional here in the Carolinas?

 

[DaveO]

Thanks on the signature, it's a running joke between my wife and I. Lyptus is an imported wood, here is some info about it:

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/ourbusinesses/buildingproducts/buildingmaterials/ourproducts/lyptus/

Red Oak is fine wood, if you like the look of Red Oak. It does stink a bit when you plane it, but it is the number one hardwood in the south. I have made many things out of Red Oak, but no matter what you do, when you run your hand across it it will never feel perfectly level, hence the need for grain filler to level it out. If you are looking for a strong grain pattern, then Red Oak is your candidate. But to achieve the look of Mahogany, you need something with tighter grain. Dave

 

[PrplHrtJarHead]

After some input from the fine folks at this website, I went with the white oak.

I was pretty lucky today picking out the stock. I got some real nice grains and it should stain up pretty close to mahogany.

I'm attaching a link to the curio display I opted to make for my lovely bride.

www.woodmagazine.com/woodmag/150/images/lightedshowcasebg.jpg

The plans are pretty simple and it is all pretty much straight forward cuts. Nothing too complicated for a newbie.

I started cutting today and and so far, all is well, no boogered up cuts.... everything is true to the measure. :-D Didn't I read somewhere, never trust someone who doesn't drink or a tape measure? I hope that doesn't ring true. :crybaby2:The tape measure thing that is...

Anyway, will post my newbie progress when I get this photo gallery thing going. :eusa_thin

 

[PrplHrtJarHead]

Thanks on the signature, it's a running joke between my wife and I. Lyptus is an imported wood, here is some info about it:

http://www.weyerhaeuser.com/ourbusinesses/buildingproducts/buildingmaterials/ourproducts/lyptus/

Red Oak is fine wood, if you like the look of Red Oak. It does stink a bit when you plane it, but it is the number one hardwood in the south. I have made many things out of Red Oak, but no matter what you do, when you run your hand across it it will never feel perfectly level, hence the need for grain filler to level it out. If you are looking for a strong grain pattern, then Red Oak is your candidate. But to achieve the look of Mahogany, you need something with tighter grain. Dave

Meant to say thanks for this earlier. It was a pretty good read.

Do you know of anyone that carries it? I'd be interested in getting my hands on some to play a little bit.:eusa_booh

 

[DaveO]

The Woodcraft in Raleigh has some nice stock, most decent hardwood stores should have it or be able to get it. Dave

 

[PrplHrtJarHead]

The Woodcraft in Raleigh, is a bit of a drive, couple of hours. Umm, I'll see if I can find something out this way first. Otherwise....road trip!

Man I feel so dumb with half of these posts! I'm sorry to be a bother, I am just pretty ignorant to many facets of this hobby (for me) and profession of others.

Thanks

 

[SteveColes]

The Woodcraft in Raleigh, is a bit of a drive, couple of hours. Umm, I'll see if I can find something out this way first. Otherwise....road trip!

Man I feel so dumb with half of these posts! I'm sorry to be a bother, I am just pretty ignorant to many facets of this hobby (for me) and profession of others.

Thanks

Don't apologize. That's what the site is for. To help other, no matter what our different levels are.

 

[cskipper]

There is a list of lumber yard type places in the Forum "What's Going On" then "Where Can I Buy or Sell" then "Wood Sales List". Maybe you'll find someone closer to you or folks you can call. I've had good luck when talking with some about specific woods/grains...