Thread: general purpose timber

The Blue, Grey & Stringy would work for both purposes, although they can be a bit splintery when working. And tend to harden with age (years, mind!) until they can become unworkable.

For most hidden framing - whether cabinetry or housing - radiata is our go-to, as it's the easiest (and cheapest) to work by far but as you've taken that off the table your stuck with a compromise.

Personally I'd go for a small stack of radiata and a pallet of "Tas. Oak" KDHW from a building supplies. The "Tas. Oak" is a misnomer, as it's basically just a generic name for the asstd. hardwood output from a local mill that has been kiln dried. There actually is a timber called Tas. Oak, it's just not what they sell under the name unless you go to a specialist, non-construction, timber supplier.

That'd give you a nice selection (if you're discerning enough to pick the differences... many people can't) of colours & grains to mix'n'match for any project.

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

The Blue, Grey & Stringy would work for both purposes, although they can be a bit splintery when working. And tend to harden with age (years, mind!) until they can become unworkable.

For most hidden framing - whether cabinetry or housing - radiata is our go-to, as it's the easiest (and cheapest) to work by far but as you've taken that off the table your stuck with a compromise.

Personally I'd go for a small stack of radiata and a pallet of "Tas. Oak" KDHW from a building supplies. The "Tas. Oak" is a misnomer, as it's basically just a generic name for the asstd. hardwood output from a local mill that has been kiln dried. There actually is a timber called Tas. Oak, it's just not what they sell under the name unless you go to a specialist, non-construction, timber supplier.

That'd give you a nice selection (if you're discerning enough to pick the differences... many people can't) of colours & grains to mix'n'match for any project.

Ok thanks, I'll just compare prices, colour and properties on the blue, grey, stringy mix and 'tas oak' mix (so even in nsw, tas oak will be a mix of local timber? that's not misleading at all!)

I guess I've been too hasty, the hardware shop is where I've found most radiata and it seems expensive and in rough sawn it is generally poor grade (lots of weak knots and warping/twisting). I'll have a look at the prices for the four timbers above and then might take your advice and try to find some lengths of reasonably priced KD, untreated pine in a reasonable grade as well. I remember now that I was actually quite happy when I used a stack of recycled pine bed slats at one stage.

Just thinking outside the square for a moment, Boutique Timbers (worth a google) are having an auction on Sept 21 at Rollands Plains a few hours north of you?
Fletty

Originally Posted by fletty

Just thinking outside the square for a moment, Boutique Timbers (worth a google) are having an auction on Sept 21 at Rollands Plains a few hours north of you?
Fletty

Thanks Fletty,

I definitely planned to go and see Mal at some point when I have the time to start making something nice for inside the house again (I have his blog bookmarked!), but yes I should give him a call and see what he has in the way of an outdoor furniture suitable pack as well.

I hope his auctions become regular, because I'd love to go to one every year o so and pick up some cabinet type timbers.

Cheers,

Austin