I have a full time job and have been woodworking for about a year when I can find the time. I’ve purchased tools along the way and I’m on a fixed budget. Eventually, when I’m confident in my skills, I want to build a chest of drawers for my daughter. As noted, I’m on a fixed budget. I bought resawn redwood (used for fences) at the local warehouse and have stickered it. I used my router to get one straight edge and my table saw to straighten the other. I’m going to buy a planer next so I can then get it flat. I’d like to do a mission style on the sides and drawer front of the bathroom cabinet after planing the panels to 3/8″. My question is, I know redwood is a very soft wood, but at this time while I’m still learning, would it be okay to use it as a model? I don’t want to go out and buy a hardwood while I’m sure I’ll make mistakes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
Casey
Replies
Casey,
Softwoods have slightly different working qualities, and some joint designs have to be adjusted for softwood, but overall there is no reason why you can't build perfectly good furniture out of redwood. Years ago I built a number of frames for stained glass windows out of tight grained redwood and I found it a pleasure to work with. Much of the furniture made by the Shakers was made of pine and the pieces are both elegant and sturdy.
The wood you have may, or may not, be suitable for building furniture but this would have more to do with the tightness of the grain, the presence of knots, and and a number of other factors rather than the softness of the wood. I suspect that any wood sold for fencing is probably going to be hard to work with.
John White
John,
Thank you for the response. I'll possibly look into something else.
Casey
Casey,
I'm fortunate enough to live in an area where there's always lots of new homebuilding and remodeling going on. I've found that if I approach the General Contractor and just politely ask for permission to go through their scrap pile, that I can get lots of very useable 2x and 1x of various lenghts...sometimes up to 5' and 6'. It's always Pine or Doug Fir, but it's just great for jigs, small projects, etc.
The General Contractor just has to have the stuff hauled away, and they are usually glad for the help. Offer to pick through the pile when workmen are available, and you'll make friends with a few of them, too. They might even save some of the more choice pieces for you in one place, allowing you to quickly "scoop and go" when you visit the job site.
Just so you'll know, I was able (with full permission) to gather enough Doug Fir to build a complete workbench. Cost me only time, a little gas, and hardware.
Hope this helps.
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