What wood would you use?
 

Thank you for the welcome greetings and encouragement to this newcomer.

Since my first posting I've purchased Harold Hahn's "Ships of the Revolutionary War and Their Models" Autolinked text - place your mouse over linked word to view. book as suggested (wonderful Autolinked text - place your mouse over linked word to view. book!) and plan to order Father Romero's Practicum on the USF Confederacy. (I may practice technique on a simpler project first).

The Lumberyard sells a timbering kit for the Confederacy -- another purchase I'm planning. I'm curious, however, about the properties of the various woods offered: Beech, Boxwood, Cherry, Maple and Swiss Pear. Obviously, color and grain differ, but how about "workability"? What wood do YOU prefer and why?

Many thanks,

Craig

Re: What wood would you use?
 

Hi Craig;

That is not an easy question to answer as not many of us have probably worked extensively with all the wood types listed.

I have used beech to do framing with as I can get it locally at 3/16th of an inch thickness and at far less cost then ordering it from the lumberyard. It is nice to cut with a scroll saw and finishes nicely. I believe though that it requires more time sanding versus say pear wood which I use for decking and planking. I have had no problems at all working with pear and it looks and finishes just great to my eye.

I chose pear wood as many of the plank on frame models I see on the net are made with pear and I like the dark finish.

Lumberyard describes each of the wood types they sell.. their pro’s and cons. If money was not a concern… I would go with pear wood. I do not think though that you will go wrong with any of the other choices.

Re: What wood would you use?
 

If I had a free choice of material (and could afford it) I would take boxwood, it is a beautiful timber, relatively hard and very close in the grain. Some people like sycamore, almost white in colour. Pear is a traditional wood which gives good results, also quite expensive. There are many others. I have used pine and even common alder, not so bad at all.