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Author Topic: advice on buying softwood  (Read 4831 times)

tigertiger

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advice on buying softwood
« on: January 17, 2008, 09:10:40 am »

OK I have no choice but to buy softwoods from the local hardware suppliers.

I don't think I will ever be able to find kiln dried wood, or porperly seasoned timber here in China.

So my question.
Do I opt for the twisted pieces on the assumption that they were straight when they left the factory, have been there the longest and are now seasoned, so should not distort much more?

I can then plane them, work them etc to what I want in the hope that any dowel/rod etc I produce should stay true.

Advice from our seasoned cabinet maker or atoerhs much appreciated.
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DickyD

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2008, 10:02:10 am »

Hi tt
Have been a joiner for 45 years but dont know how to answer that one.
In theory the oldest timber should be the best, but how old is that.
Bit like the "how long is a piece of string"  question.
Sure that saying belongs on another thread.  :-\
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tigertiger

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #2 on: January 17, 2008, 10:43:04 am »

High DickyD

Probably 1-2 years.

It has just dred out after delivery, although humidity here is relatively high. 40-60% in winter 80-95% in summer. Although I might go to another city which is drier.

I want to use the timber for making masts. In excess of 15mm dia and more than 1m long.
And also for things like stringers.
I can't get softwood dowel here. I believe that hardwood dowel may be too brittle for masts.

For other things like stringers I think I can also use hardwood. I have now found a supplier with hardwood mouldings and I can cut these down.
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DickyD

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #3 on: January 17, 2008, 01:06:32 pm »

Dont know what to advise really. "Suck it and see ?"  :-\
Either that or use something other than timber.
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Bryan Young

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #4 on: January 17, 2008, 07:40:38 pm »

The Chinese are past masters at working with wood. Quite surprised you haven't got one in your vicinity. From your previous post I gather that you are going ahead with the dhow. I see the problem with the steering gear. I'll mull it over and see if if I can help.
Must admit that that aspect didn't occur to me. Cheers. BY.
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longshanks

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #5 on: January 17, 2008, 10:20:37 pm »

Hi TT,
Any chance of re cycling a piece of old furniture?

Cheers
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tigertiger

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2008, 02:06:45 am »

Hi TT,
Any chance of re cycling a piece of old furniture?

Cheers

Now why didn't I think of that.

I will have a word with the dingdang man.
In China we have the equvalent of Steptoe and Son. They go round on a tricycle with a flatbed on the rear. They ring a bell, hence the term dinagdang man.
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Big Ada

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2008, 04:54:54 pm »

Hi TT,
Don't you have Skips out there?, it never ceases to amaze me what people throw away.

Len.    O0
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walrus

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2008, 08:14:55 pm »

Early racing dinghys had laminated wooden masts so this could possibly be the answer to your problem.
You state you want a mast with a diameter of 15mm+ so suggest you use 4 strips 10mm x 10mm.
Use the inside of a metal angle - if you can find one straight enough.
Mask the angle and any clamps you are going to use - and you will need plenty of the latter.
The result should be a very strong 20mm x 20mm section. I laminate keels for model yachts and have never had one warp yet.
Regards Alan
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tigertiger

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #9 on: January 19, 2008, 02:47:53 am »

Hi TT,
Don't you have Skips out there?, it never ceases to amaze me what people throw away.

No skips here, people throw stuff by the side of the road and a Dingdang will usually pass within 15 minutes. They collect the stuff and salvage sell what they can. I have seen a Dingdang with a three piece suite hanging off the sides.

Houshold refuse goes in the bin and these are emptied at least daily, the refuse is then sorted by the collector to reclaim anything recyclable. Which is a cash business.

If you throw an empty drinks can or bottle in a bin on the street, again this is usually gone in a few minutes, there are people who survive by collecting just bottles and cans from waste bins here.
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tigertiger

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #10 on: January 19, 2008, 02:52:15 am »

Early racing dinghys had laminated wooden masts so this could possibly be the answer to your problem.
You state you want a mast with a diameter of 15mm+ so suggest you use 4 strips 10mm x 10mm.
Use the inside of a metal angle - if you can find one straight enough.
Mask the angle and any clamps you are going to use - and you will need plenty of the latter.
The result should be a very strong 20mm x 20mm section. I laminate keels for model yachts and have never had one warp yet.
Regards Alan

Thank you Walrus I think I now have my solution.
I assume I could take a piece of timber, cut it down and turn some of the pieces of wood inwards to face each other so the 'warps' counter balance each other before gluing.
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walrus

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Re: advice on buying softwood
« Reply #11 on: January 19, 2008, 08:10:20 pm »

yes tiger tiger you are on the right lines.
Suggest you cut all timber and have a "dry" run with all clamps available so that when you start to glue you don't end up with a panic. When you start to glue make sure your workshop door is locked and the phone is off the hook!!
Good luck - hope it works
Alan
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