Replies

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 22, 2006 02:27am | #1

   Yes.

   C.

2. 
   oldusty | Sep 22, 2006 06:10am | #2

             Maybe Cottonwood has different properties when grown in  different regions , but  here in the PNW from my experience and imo it is not even good for firewood . I suppose you can get or have some free Cottonwood available , even if you have to pay for material why waste your time on an inferior material. If it's sketchy now it may only get worse in time .

                best of luck to you                 dusty

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 22, 2006 01:34pm | #3

   I don't know where PNW is, but Cottonwood (Populus Deldoides if I recall) is largely used by the casket industry, it is exported to Europe to make doors etc.So to answer the original question "can you use it to make drawers"? Yes you can.
   Would I use it in my furniture ? Probably not.C.

1. 
   BruceS | Sep 22, 2006 03:17pm | #4

   I would place cottonwood somewhere between Yellow Tulip(Poplar) and White pine for workability and duribility..  It should definately be a considered secondary wood.Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 22, 2006 03:32pm | #5

   Right, a little bit "hairy" though like Aspen.C.

2. 
   oldusty | Sep 22, 2006 05:11pm | #6

       Sorry for the abbreviation ,   Pacific North West .

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 22, 2006 05:57pm | #7

   Typically the "usable" Cottonwood grows along the Missisippi river, basically from Minnesota (nicer in color and denser obviously) to Louisiana where it picks up some minerals. It reaches considerable dimensions quite quickly.C.

3. 
   GotAll10 | Sep 25, 2006 06:24am | #9

   What secondary wood do you usually use for drawers, etc?

   Paul

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 25, 2006 01:24pm | #10

   I don't really use any "lesser" specie, I go more for contrast in color for drawers sides but otherwise my pieces are pretty much made without secondary woods.C.

3. 
   Telemike | Sep 23, 2006 08:17am | #8

   The cottonwood we see here in Central California might yield boards quite suitable for secondary woods. Sometimes it's tinged with green; a little wash of red stain makes it brown.

   But, our cotton wood grows in riparian forests and is often convoluted and sometimes spectacularly burled. I've seen birds eye cottonwood that is incomparable. And the burls are spectacular with inner light and honey color. It turns like a dream. (It also kinda stinks, literally).

   I know where there's a three foot tree with a six foot diameter burl about 10 feet up! But, it's in a State Park and those trees are sacred. Next time I paddle there I'll get a picture and post is so we can all drool a little. I won't tell you where it is though.