Thread: Suggestions for the lightest/whitest timber?

Mal Ward has/had some Silver Ash that was very white. Maybe some White Beech, very light but not ultra white. Poplar is similar in colour.

Thanks Claw.

I have used White Beech before but found it somewhat oily, and glueing/laminating results were a little eratic.

Haven't used Silver Ash before so that may be a great option. Maybe I'll wait until the Sydney WWW show and see what's on offer.

Wayne

Silver quandong is light and white

edit - sorry I misread your post, somehow I saw light. I agree with claw, go the silver ash it is lovely timber

Jacarandah, Peppermint gum,

American Ash although not local and not cheap, African Ash

You could try American Maple (or Canadian Rock Maple) It's white, works well and probably laminates well also. Here's a Wenge and Maple box that might help you.

Regards,

Rob

I know a few guys on here recommend variegated pittosporum as the white timber for end grain chess boards, so I'm guessing it laminates well...not sure how it would turn though if you're making bowls, I'm guessing it might rip a little...
Try a google search to see some photos of the timber, it.certainly is very white...

Big_Easy

Holly. Wash fresh cut surfaces with diluted citric acid (2teaspoons to 1cup of water.) This prevents iron stain from tools and hands and retains the brilliant white.

I agree that American Ash is the go. beaut timber works well and hsa nice thin brown fine lines between the growth rings. can display attractive medulluary (SP??) rays too.

Wasn't the question the whitest timber?

it is white. its very pretty.

It is pretty, but when it comes to white, Holly.

Thanks for all the suggestions, gents.

By the way, great work on that box LGS - very striking contrast between the Wenge and American Maple. The AM is obviously much paler than the Queensland Maple and so-called Pacific Maple/Meranti that we are familiar with here. Is American Maple readily available from Sydney/NSW dealers in a few different sectional sizes? I don't think I've noticed it before? Ditto the African Ash that Wheelin mentions

Ray (Wheelin), Jacaranda is a good thought although I wonder whether it (and Poplar) will be compatible with my dark hardwood (and I mean hard) sections when laminating? I've had quite a bit of differential movement between pieces in the past, and I think it can have a lot to do with incompatible species and hardness etc. Can't say as I'm familiar with the appearance of Peppermint Gum, but I know that you can get some nice, light American Ash. Also many of the Australian Mountain Ash/Tassie Oak (Messmate) pieces can be very light as well. Anyone know someone who stocks American Ash?

Variegated Pittosporum.... Silver Quandong.... Where do you guys get all this Ewonderful stuff? Any advice on suppliers Mic-d, Big-Easy, Zed? I obviously don't get out enough - Sydney WWW show once a year - that's about it. I'll certainly be taking a much better look at the timber suppliers this year.

Rusty, your advice re Holly seems to ring true via my Google searches. It would seem that Holly is about as white as you get in a natural finish timber - but again, where do you get it? Seems there's plenty available if you live in the UK, but I can't find anyone who advertises stocks of Holly in OZ.

Many thanks all. Wayne

Hi Wayne,

Thanks for the kind words.
I buy my Maple from Mathews Timber in Melbourne and I'm pretty sure they'll have it in Sydney. Maybe a quick call? I know it's not the cheapest timber, but it works well and comes up a treat after finishing.

Regards,

Rob

American Ash Trend Timbers Wayne its where I got some for Sue's loom bench seat.

Try Mal Ward Boutique Timbers

I had some peppermint gum stored elsewhere not sure if its still there. Also some Poplar come to think of it.