I have about 200 board feet of yellow birch in mostly 4/4. Is there a particular piece or style of furniture yellow birch is suited to? I was thinking maybe a linen press or a stepback cupboard. Any other suggestions?
I have about 200 board feet of yellow birch in mostly 4/4. Is there a particular piece or style of furniture yellow birch is suited to? I was thinking maybe a linen press or a stepback cupboard. Any other suggestions?
Perhaps cradles or a quilt rack?
Rick Potter
DIY journeyman,
FWW wannabe.
AKA Village Idiot.
You can make almost anything from that nice timber...choose something you would enjoy building!
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
As Brent noted, it is very pretty, but quite unstable. Even if you get it to plane up flat and straight, it does have a lot of seasonal movement and will still probably warp in usage. However you use it, you will need to have a design that accommodates a lot of movement and is tolerant of warpage. You can use it where you would hard maple. It has most of the same advantages and all of the disadvantages, but a little nicer figure.
It is best suited for a clear finish as it can be very prone to blotching. A seal coat of dewaxed shellac is a must, it even can blotch with straight poly.
It also can be a nightmare to hand plane, so maybe save your Neanderthal work for another wood. It does pair well with baltic birch plywood. In fact the desk I am typing this on I did in baltic birch with yellow birch solids.
IMG_6029.jpg
I have built small cabinets, rail and stile doors out of lumber that I cut on my mill. Had good luck with those trees. But I have also cut some trees that were squirrely.. advise above is a good way to test your materials. Plane it both sides heavy and let it set a day or so .....Dan