Thread: Aus substitute for Maple? for child's blocks.

Originally Posted by vicky_j_f

I'm planning on building a set of child's building blocks. Most of the blocks are simple shapes cut from 35mm board/slab. The commercial sets available are made from maple (presumably US hard maple)...... because of it's resistance to splitting apparently.

I've seen a lot of stuff at local shows made from "Pacific Maple", so I presume that's available in Qld somewhere, but is it suitable for building blocks (ie as a hard maple substitute)? If so, does anyone know where it's available from? - close to Brisbane.

Basically, the timber needs to be non-toxic, not prone to splintering and not overly heavy as the child has to be able to build with them & not get too injured if the construction falls over onto her.

I've only ever used qwila (too heavy), pine (too soft), tassy oak (too brittle/splintery) and rosewood (too expensive) before.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

some ideas..........we have made dozens of sets of blocks .......we generally use fairly lightweight timbers , such as obeche or cedar........with my kids and neighbours the kits have been a hit , we run a range of sizes , and shapes more akin to a lego set .....this allows wider range of architecture to be imagined and built...............i have some photos if you send me your e mail......rupert......www.woodworld.com.au

There is nothing like true maple in Oz. Try hoop pine or cypress pine.
kyc_ilic

Originally Posted by vicky_j_f

I'm planning on building a set of child's building blocks. Most of the blocks are simple shapes cut from 35mm board/slab. The commercial sets available are made from maple (presumably US hard maple)...... because of it's resistance to splitting apparently.

I've seen a lot of stuff at local shows made from "Pacific Maple", so I presume that's available in Qld somewhere, but is it suitable for building blocks (ie as a hard maple substitute)? If so, does anyone know where it's available from? - close to Brisbane.

Basically, the timber needs to be non-toxic, not prone to splintering and not overly heavy as the child has to be able to build with them & not get too injured if the construction falls over onto her.

I've only ever used qwila (too heavy), pine (too soft), tassy oak (too brittle/splintery) and rosewood (too expensive) before.

Does anyone have any suggestions?