Hi all,
I'm relatively new to both wood working and sawmillcreek.org. My wife has graciously given me full use of the two car garage for my new hobby and I'm enjoying it! I'm working on one of my my first 'real' projects for her -- a plant shelf that wraps around the side of the outside entrance way and support column for her orchids.
The shelf is three layers -- two full size and one small one at the top the fits between the column and the house. I have the frame complete and it's pictured below (note it's a very rough dry fit, I haven't sanded or perfected the mortise & tenon joints yet.) Also pictured is a demonstration of how I envision the actual shelf -- approx 3/8" thick planks spaced approx 1/4" apart. My wife has expressed interest in using a different type of wood for the planks to add some contrast. I don't know if it will look good though, or what woods I should use.
I will tell you that I used aromatic cedar for the frame (her choice), which was my first big mistake as I later learned it's not a good wood to use outdoors. I plan on using a marine grade spar finish (any recommendations?) and hoping for the best without any expectations. Luckily it will be mostly under cover but will still occasionally get wet for short periods at a time. Thankfully, the amount of knowledge and experience I have gained with this first project well surpasses the cost of the lumber but I still would like it to last if possible!
Do you think I should use a white oak or other wood for the planks? The wood would need to not be soft or brittle since the planks are only 3/8" thick.
This project was a first for me in many ways and I've learned a lot so far. It's the first time I worked with rough lumber from purchasing it to dressing it with a jointer, planer & TS. I tried my hand at mortise and tenons and they came out well. It's also the first time I've done re-sawing using my band saw.