I’m getting ready to make a large wall-hung plack for a retiring law enforcement officer. The design I’m considering is walnut, or other dark wood, for background, upon which will be glued a contrasting lighter wood in the shape of a badge (in this case a seven pointed star), on which I will have a trophy shop laser the name, date of retirement, etc. I would like for the lighter colored wood to be as near the color of polished brass as possible, to simulate the look of a brass badge. I want the wood to be this color naturally, without applying dye or stain. The only wood I have worked with that is even close is yellowheart (I think it’s also called canary-wood).
Is there another wood closer in appearance to brass that is available 6″ or wider? (I would like to resaw it and edge glue it to produce an approx 12″ diameter “badge”.) I also need the wood to have an expansion rate near that of walnut so this piece and the dark background piece can contract and expand together. Thanks for your help. GP
Replies
Why not just use brass? It's real easy to work.
John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking
Life is tough. It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne
what he said...or least brass spray paint.
GP,
If you assemble your badge using marquetry methods you'll be able to vary the grain orientation and simulate the way brass shimmers.
Satinwood could work very well. I've attached a snapshot showing Torrey pine with a sanded-in oil finish - - could work in the right context.
Please let us know what you decide & how it comes out.
Paul
You might look at Lacewood. It has real yellow luster but they flake may be wrong. However, as someone said, working with Brass is not that hard. Also, how about inlaying a place for his real badge?
Thanks much to all who replied. I did consider using a sheet of brass, but the look I'm going for is real wood, similar in color to brass, light enough to make a dramatic contrast to the walnut. I had not considered satinwood or lacewood; they may have too much figure in the grain but will take a look at them. I saw a photo of osage orange in a catalog recently and will send off for a sample of it to check it (never worked with it). Also the suggestion of inlaying the real badge was a good one. If it works out, I'll repost later. Thanks. GP
I saw a photo of osage orange in a catalog recently and will send off for a sample of it to check it (never worked with it).
Yeah, I was thinking orange wood too. I've yet to actually see a sample, but I'm told that Apricot wood is orange in color. A guy I work with has a fair amount of it that has been dry for something like 20 years. Apparently his grandfather used to salvage wood from nearby orchards and slabbed them into lumber for woodworking purposes. He's supposed to bring some into work next week for me to look at and maybe purchase.
Regards,
Kevin
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