Replies

1. 
   MBerger | Apr 08, 2006 07:27pm | #1

   Take a look at this article on Beech. The author does an excellent job of explaining its working properties and best uses. He mentions that Swedish workbenches were often made of the European variety of beech.

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/Materials/MaterialsPDF.aspx?id=2574

2. 
   AlanTurner | Apr 16, 2006 12:02pm | #2

   Gailen,
   I just built 10 benches for a new teaching studio, and wanted to use Beech because of its favorable pricing. I got in a plank of 12/4, kiln dried beech, and played with it for a month or so. No matter what I did, it warped and twisted something awful. It is not a wood I would recommend for a benchtop.
   Hard maple at 12/4 is a bit hard to find, and quite expensive, but would be my first choice.
   I believe that European Beech is a much different wood than our North American beech.
   I am assuming that your beech from Canada is the same wood that I sourced out of Ohio, but I am far from certain on that point. If it is different, then my comments should be ignored, of course.

   Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com

1. 
   gailen | Apr 16, 2006 07:58pm | #3

   Thanks, Mat and Alan, will go with the maple, lots of work to go to and not be satisfied with a poor bench. Will let you know how I make out in 6 months or more.

1. 
   AlanTurner | Apr 17, 2006 06:45pm | #4

   Feel free to be in touch if you have problems. I have built 13 joiner's benches and so have a bit of experience. There are many design decisions you will be making, but building benches is one of my favorite tasks.Alan

   http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com