Dan Forman
01-25-2010, 5:36 AM
I want to build a Roubo style bench, have found some air dried 8/4 ash at a very reasonable price on --- $1.50 bf. It's been air drying for at least two years, will know more about how it was dried when I can speak to the seller tomorrow. He has about 200 bf, which is probably close to what I'll need, depending on how the milling plays out. I told him my requirements and what I wanted it for, and he seems to think it would fill the bill.
He sent me a pic of a few representative boards - 2x4 and 2x6", he also has some 2x8's - some do have a mix of sap and heart wood. Am I correct in assuming that shouldn't be a problem? He said they are mostly clear of knots, or that knots could be cut out in the milling to get 3 1/2" widths for the top. He would also price around edge knots and defects. I'm less concerned about the look of knots than the fact that in my experience, they can be associated with wood movement when milling.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/124-009.jpg
I'm thinking I want the straightest grained stock for the top, with the fewest grain reversals for ease in planing once laminated, and that the gnarlier pieces would be most suited for the massive 4" wide legs.
Anything else I should know about this before buying? I don't have a moisture meter, I'm hoping the seller has one, I'll ask when I call him tomorrow. I'd also like to see the stuff before committing on it.
Dan
He sent me a pic of a few representative boards - 2x4 and 2x6", he also has some 2x8's - some do have a mix of sap and heart wood. Am I correct in assuming that shouldn't be a problem? He said they are mostly clear of knots, or that knots could be cut out in the milling to get 3 1/2" widths for the top. He would also price around edge knots and defects. I'm less concerned about the look of knots than the fact that in my experience, they can be associated with wood movement when milling.
http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l279/T-Caster/124-009.jpg
I'm thinking I want the straightest grained stock for the top, with the fewest grain reversals for ease in planing once laminated, and that the gnarlier pieces would be most suited for the massive 4" wide legs.
Anything else I should know about this before buying? I don't have a moisture meter, I'm hoping the seller has one, I'll ask when I call him tomorrow. I'd also like to see the stuff before committing on it.
Dan