Best timber for making canvas stretcher bars

[ltovey]

We currently print customers photos on canvas, then stretch them over frames (see www.brilliantprints.com.au (http://www.brilliantprints.com.au)) . We are looking to make our own stretcher bars and need a timber that is

1. Relatively inexpensive
2. Very stable over time (very little shrinkage)
3. Appearance grad
4. Machines easily

Someone suggested either meranti or Akwa. A fair bit of tension is placed on the bar, so it needs to be resistant to twisting. We will be moulding a profile that is approximately 40mm x 30mm with a complex, interlocking joint on the end that allows the frames to be expanded over time. See http://www.ucsart.com/professional.html for an example of what I'm looking to make.

Any suggestions regarding a good timber choice would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Liam Tovey

[echnidna]

Clear grade hoop pine amongst many others
Even clear radiata is suitable.

[Wood Butcher]

Clear grade hoop pine amongst many othershttp://www.ubeaut.biz/thumbup.gif
I work with Hoop Pine exclusively everyday. It's machiining qualities are superb. relatively stable. and can be easily finshed to look a treat. And the best part is that is not that expensive.


Even clear radiata is suitable.http://www.ubeaut.biz/fireface.gif
Don't!!!!!!!!! very soft, can move all over the place when cutting, and stinks!

[JB]

I work with Hoop Pine exclusively everyday.

And its locally grown in plantations, rather than harvested from Asian rainforests like Meranti etc

[echnidna]

Another nice stable timber is oregon