Hello, I have managed to recoupe about 30 baords 2″x16″x10′ of a aspen/basswood/poplar type wood. They were used for the seating of church pues for the past 20 years. Next to the chewing gum I found it is preatty clean. Could I use it for some complete furniture applications. If it is Aspen, furniture isn’t really on the list of uses. It would be a shame not to be able to use this free stock for anything.
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Living out here in Western Colorado, Aspen 'R Us.
While I would not use Asen for fine furniture, I have used it for drawer carcasses, utility boxes, jigs, and such. I buy mill run aspen beams from a sawmill down the road and resaw them into boards. Price is pennies per board foot.
Aspen is very lighwight, almost as light as Sitka spruce. The primary problem with the stuff is it is very prone to tearout.
No, it's noy high on the food chain, buy I do find a lot of uses for the stuff given the price I pay.
Chris
The big box stores around here (MN) have been carrying a lot of clear aspen the last couple of years -- which can be used instead of poplar or clear pine.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Below is a coffee table made of Walnut and Poplar designed by my daughter.
the poplar has held up quite well contrary to my initial thoughts.
The basswood of that size could possibly be traded to a carver for something more suitable for furniture.
More photos can be see at the folowing link
http://www.superwoodworks.com/Projects/CoffeTable.htm
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http://www.superwoodworks.com
That's a really nice table.The only poplar I see around here is yellow poplar with a greenish cast to it, and usually some heavy green streaks. It's great for paint, but it looks pretty bad with a varnish finish. I am guessing that is some other variety of poplar in your table, right?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I just remembered that our entire master bedroom suite is made out of aspen! So much for badmouthing fine furniture. Please don't tell DW!
But to tell the truth, its rather unusual, in that it is very "mountain looking". All the major framework is 3" aspen logs and the trim around the tops are logs cut lengthwise. Very nice for this area.
Would not work in Williamsburg, VA, or Charleston,SC.
Wish I was cyber literate enough to post a pic.
Chris
Thanks nikkiwood,
We have yellow poplar around here too but the bucnh of poplar that I have is mostly white with som brown streaks in some of it. Some of it is curly and some has teardrop like pearls in it. Sometimes the figure is quite impressive.
Garryhttp://www.superwoodworks.com
I like using bass for canoe paddles. Reasonably strong, quite light, and pretty enough. I use it in the blade. From your description of the amount you've obtained, you have enough for an awful lot of paddles. LOL.
Chris B, has a good idea too - use it for secondary wood for finer stuff, and primary for toolboxes etc.
Good luck and have fun.
I've used poplar and aspen for architectural millwork often. Stained as well as painted. Poplar takes paint very well and with proper prep will yield a fine gloss surface classifiable as "fine work", plus it is more rugged than pine, MDF and such. I have also used poplar for furniture, the desk on which I'm typing being an example; recycled pallet wood (tile and marble use three by threes for stickers). I like the grain and colors of poplar. Some clients like the blonder boards, especially aspen, which come in at less than maple even with culling. Don't toss those boards, set'em aside until inspiration strikes if need be...or send them my way!
were used for the seating of church pues for the past 20 years. Next to the chewing gum I found it is preatty clean. Could I use it for some complete furniture applications. If it is Aspen,
If seasoned for 20 years use it for anything you want! Just remember when you cut wood 'things' change.. To be expected.. Finishing Aspen is another story..
Takes paint really well! Which is NOT a bad thing.. Paint is great in the right place...
Basswood is popular with carvers. I like it for drawer boxes because it works really easily with handtools and that makes fitting the drawers a snap... and it's lightweight.
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