Cherry & Maple............Substitutes?

[Corunetes]

My wife has asked (directed) me to build for her the Bedside table featured in the latest copy of "Australian Woodsmith"........Personally, I like the idea and I'm about to get into it but first of all I would like the draw on the not inconsiderable knowledge of all the users of this BB out there.

The magazine calls for the use of Cherry and Maple to build the carcass of the unit and Cherry veneered particle board for the case sides and top.
The veneered particle board is no problem but I'm a lttle jiggered about the others. The price of the cherry is a bit off the radar and I'm hoping someone may be able to tell me what I can use as a substitute.
One yard I spoke to mentioned Myrtle. Can anyone confirm this? Does Myrtle have any particular vices or niceties that may influence the decision?
As for the Maple, Would Pacific Maple (Meranti) be ok?
Looking forward to any comments...Thanx in advance.


------------------
Catch ya later,
Peter B.
(Corunetes)

[Bruce Bell]

Sounds like it is an American plan and design as they use a lot of so called cherry and maple. Merranti is rubbish to put all the work into. why not try for Queensland Maple which is similar to cherry or go for Silky Oak. Both maybe a little on the expensive side but the end result will be well worth the timber and effort. Aust Red Cedar would also be worth consideration.

Enjoying the Thrill of making the Chips Fly.

[Eastie]

Here's some more options on home grown tmbers
http://www.tastimber.tas.gov.au/species/species.asp

[AlexS]

If your yard has myrtle at a reasonable price, it's probably a good option. Nice to work, has a nice pink colour, sometimes with grey spalting.

[soundman]

Im always fascinated when they (usualy americans) specify a particular timber in a plan or how to article about a relativey mundane item.

Unless there are some higher techniques involved such as bending, or imposibly thin members requiring super strength or some such stuff.

You can use what ever you damn well like.

In this country tasy oak is the universal bang for bucks timber. Finish it right & it can look like anything you want(within reason).

cheers

[mikmaz1]

hay corunetes, how about using the same timber that makes up the rest of your bedroom suit!
seeyasoon mik.

[Corunetes]

Built ins and Brass bed frame.......The bed frame will be changed anon...That will have to conform with the bedside table:: http://ubb.ubeaut.com.au/ubb/smile.gif

------------------
Catch ya later,
Peter B.
(Corunetes)