Spindles for Chair Backs

[Richard Brown]

I have to replace the spindles on the backs of four chairs that have been broken over the last 40 years. I am wondering which wood be the better choice of woods to turn these spindles from, Hard Maple or Soft Maple or is there a better choice of wood? They will be stained in Early American. These spindles are about 12" long. Thanks I need losts of help here. Dick

[Todd Burch]

I would first lean towards matching the wood that is already there. However, that aside, I would choose hard maple or birch, and soft maple would be OK too, but I would be cognizant of the grain of the wood and keep that as straight as possible through the long axis of the spindles to ensure the greatest strength.

Todd.