Reclaimed Lumber and Rain!

[Jess Van Diest]

Guys:

I'm looking at some Port Orford Cedar (8/4 or probably 6/4) for some workshop projects I need to get going on, which include a new/better workbench. I have a local supplier that has had a few stacks sitting in the yard (for a long time I'm guessing) that came from an old mill where they were said to be used for stickering. Oddly enough they were not stickered or covered themselves. I have no idea how old they are, but the exposed stuff is a light to dark grey color. When I picked some up off the stack to look at them, the unexposed wood looked fine to me. It had a nice light yellow color and felt dense and hard. These aren't perfect straight grained boards you could use for fine furniture or musical instruments. They have some knots, but in general seem to be better than the stuff I see at the BORG or even some of the lumber yards. They have been in the elements for quite some time so I'm surprised that their condition looks pretty good, even the weathered gray exposed stuff didn't feel soft. Sorry for rambling, but I'm just wondering what you guys think. Is this a black hole purchase or can I rest assured that it's going to be ok? I'm itching to buy a bunch of it to use for general shop stuff and maybe other things if I can. By the way it's really hot in the summer here and it really doesn't rain that much. I know Port Orford Cedar is rot resistant, but I plan to spend a decent chunk of change to acquire a stack of this stuff. The price per board foot is very reasonable.

Thanks!!

Jess

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I love working with Port Orford Cedar. It smells beautiful, works easily, and bends like a dream. As for using it in a workbench, it is very soft, and not ideal for a bench. I would snatch it up for other projects, but would look for a better wood for a bench.

[Jim Matthews]

http://www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/softwoods/port-orford-cedar/

http://tinytimbers.com/janka.htm

It's lovely stuff, but I wouldn't use it on a bench - it's just too soft for rough handling.

[Jess Van Diest]

Is there that much difference between Janka 590 lbf and 620 lbf (Port Orford Cedar vs Dough Fir)? I hate to say it but I'm beginning to dislike working with dough fir.

[Jess Van Diest]

Well, I went and picked through the pile and it was no good! Fortunately they have some covered stuff that is quite a bit more costly but very nice. I guess when it's too good to be true it usually is!

[Jim Matthews]

It's always worth a look, with this sort of thing.

Timing is critical, the seller needs enough rejections
to rationalize the price low enough that it moves.

How far North are you?
Plenty of quality lumber in Oregon...

http://medford.craigslist.org/mat/4783681938.html