Wood Movement

[Ray Martin]

I have a question about wood movement and combining species. I'm making a mantle clock. Most of the body is walnut. I'd like to put some cherry in it for a bit of contrast. I know that different woods will move at different rates and don't want to see this thing splitting apart over time. Does anyone know if walnut and cherry move at very different rates? Is it safe gluing them together?

Ray

 

[Sweetgum]

Ray:

This may be overkill and, conversely, may not answer your question with ease, but this link has a wealth of information dealing with shrinking of various species of lumber and moisture in general.

http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/fpl_pdfs/ch03.pdf

Hope it helps!!!:-D

 

[DaveO]

I think for something of that scale, wood movement is going to be negligible, especially in a climate controlled modern home atmosphere. I have combined several species of woods together in decorative boxes and they haven't exploded yet. Let the wood acclimate to the environment where it will be kept and you should OK.
Dave

 

[Ray Martin]

Dave - you're probably right... the clock pieces will be small enough so that movement might not be a consideration.

Brad - I downloaded that reference doc... great stuff! It's a keeper. Thanx.

Ray

 

[DavidF]

I second DaveO's reply on this one - Definately let the wood aclimatize for a couple of weeks before use. I wouldn't worry too much about it, I think you'll be fine.