Thread: Need a workable "white"

Originally Posted by whitewood

It would be difficult to go past Paulownia if you want white timber that is easy to work with. It is similar to WRC for texture and hardness. You should be able to buy 38 x 150 planks as standard. Once it is sealed it doesn't change color. I used to grow and sell it but have retired from both operations. You can get it delivered by contacting Geoff Moase on 0411676854. I have no connection.
Whitewood

Thankyou whitewood.

Looking at images and sites on Google, it really does look good as a contrast. See they make surfboards too.

Is it expensive? Looks to be a bit far away for me to access though. I will investigate a plank cut and posted.

Whitewood - not wanting to stray too far rom the OP's original question .....

Originally Posted by whitewood

It would be difficult to go past Paulownia if you want white timber that is easy to work with. It is similar to WRC for texture and hardness. You should be able to buy 38 x 150 planks as standard. Once it is sealed it doesn't change color. I used to grow and sell it but have retired from both operations. You can get it delivered by contacting Geoff Moase on 0411676854. I have no connection.
Whitewood

I was thinking of making a timber external / exposed shell for a campervan. Originally I was going to do this from cedar. How does Paulownia compare in durability, weight, price etc?

Dave

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

Whitewood - not wanting to stray too far rom the OP's original question .....


I was thinking of making a timber external / exposed shell for a campervan. Originally I was going to do this from cedar. How does Paulownia compare in durability, weight, price etc?

Dave

I found Geoffs website. It is used in surfboard manufacture so must be pretty light.

No prices on site. I have emailed him a request.

Found another site.

Paulownia Paradise


Their vid introduction to Paulowina.

thanks bob

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

Whitewood - not wanting to stray too far rom the OP's original question .....


I was thinking of making a timber external / exposed shell for a campervan. Originally I was going to do this from cedar. How does Paulownia compare in durability, weight, price etc?

Dave

Hi Save,

Only found this post this morning when reading new posts. - No email copy received. I have not heard of any one using either WRC or Paulownia to use on the outside shell of a caravan. Paulownia is used a lot for the inside furniture. If you feel WRC is suitable then Paulownia would be just as good. All the research I have done states the 2 timbers are equal in characteristics except Paulownia is lighter in weight and color.
Whitewood

Paulownia as a cladding, I reckon would be good weight save. I don't know how it would go for structural pices other than furniture though.

The cost for me to get some is a bit prohibitive for my small needs atm, so unfortunately won't be getting my hands on any to try.

I've picked up quite a bit of old Oregon as ex-framing from old houses. A lot of the framing in older houses was hardwood, but I've found a couple where the framing timber was Oregon, and because it is old and dry it is great to work with. If you've got a recycled timber yard near you I'd try there - the one close to where we live usually has lots of Oregon that is old growth and dry for pretty reasonable prices. The old stuff has usually donw whatever twisting it is going to do and the grain has stabilised. Oregon also used to be used for pergolas but I believe they've stopped that now because it doesn't last as well when it gets continually wet. I've noticed a couple of pergolas/awnings that I've removed were Oregon - and some of it has been rotten but the bits under cover are usually good.

GDay Poppa

Thanks for the input. Yeh I have thought of the recycle yard and would love to use but it proves to take up alot of time in prep. Thats not to say I'll knock back a piece should it fall my way.

Now I have a better idea of the timber required, I am eyeing off Gumtree etc for tables with thick tops and made of the western cedar. I also now know to look under the tables now to check grain and do a fingernail test.

I am also going down to Marshalls and Hudsons in Newcaste to see what they have off the shelf.

I'll have to do price comparison