Thread: Floor joists and bearers used in the 60s?

Could be any of the hardwoods. Pictures of colour, long grain and end grain may help.

Originally Posted by rustynail

Could be any of the hardwoods. Pictures of colour, long grain and end grain may help.

Yeah I'll put up some pics tomorrow.

My friend told me in those days people would just use whatever durable timber is available at the time, regardless of how expensive it was. And there was no "regulation" as such to which species is most suited.

Would that be true?

Pretty much. Most hardwoods were sold as scantling and there was no difference in price between species.

Originally Posted by rustynail

Pretty much. Most hardwoods were sold as scantling and there was no difference in price between species.

Yes. At that time they would just be listed as OB (ordinary building) and were unseasoned of course. Framing with a hammer would be a bit difficult otherwise.

you sound like me 20 yrs ago. I still have some red pine I pulled out of a demo job in Adelaide. It came with me to Perth / Melbourne / Horsham & now southern NSW

What are you hoping to do with it?

Looking forward to pics

the type of hardwood will probably be determined by the location of the build. Could be (so called)Vic ash or Tas oak if in Victoria. NSW it might be spotted gum. blackbutt or jarrah? in WA.
Vic ash and Tas Oak comprises any or all of- alpine ash, mountain ash, mountain gum, Grey gum, blue gum, and messmate. narrow leaf peppermint is also included I think.

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

you sound like me 20 yrs ago. I still have some red pine I pulled out of a demo job in Adelaide. It came with me to Perth / Melbourne / Horsham & now southern NSW

What are you hoping to do with it?

Looking forward to pics

oops I forgot to take the pics. so many projects so little time.


I was actually thinking of using them to make a proper woodwork bench. 20mm formply fixed onto trestle type frames doesn't do me any justice. Especially when I need to hold my work in place, and quick release F clamps can only do so much

So I've decided to build myself decent woodworking bench with the 2 vices/vise/vie?, dog holes and cupboard/drawers underneath and so I hope these old joists will make part (or most) of it.
I've read American maple is really good for a top but my funds are low and I'm not sure how available it is.

But first things first, I gotta to run these through the thicknesser and get pictures!

That will be good to get pics. The timber should do you fine.


By the time you're up next year I hope to have a good workshop. Not sure if I will be there or not. Will have the tools not sure about the space to use them

Finally took the photos
Ok so I had time to run 1 length through the thicknesser to have a proper look.

I'm now starting to think it's Tassie Oak, I have a smaller piece next to it that is T Oak to give a comparison. They look similar hey.

Unfortunately timber i.d has never been my strong point.

If it is Tassie Oak, would this be suitable for a woodworking bench top? I'll probably use it for the frame but am still hoping it will be strong enough for the top.

Oh Dave I don't know what you mean, you hope to have a good workshop but you're not sure if you will be there? btw have I been reading you bought some new machines?....

I made some legs for a small table out of old hardwood framing. Biggest problem was ensuring there were no broken off nails and screws that would damage the thicknesser. Rough sand the timber a little and sponge it down to see if there are any embedded nails.

The cracks and crevices in the old timber make lovely character when its oiled or waxed so dont go overboard on the finishing.

Originally Posted by dadpad

I made some legs for a small table out of old hardwood framing. Biggest problem was ensuring there were no broken off nails and screws that would damage the thicknesser. Rough sand the timber a little and sponge it down to see if there are any embedded nails.

The cracks and crevices in the old timber make lovely character when its oiled or waxed so dont go overboard on the finishing.

Oh absolutely, I quite like that rustic look in the timber so I'm glad I won't need to clean them up that well. And yep, find the odd embedded nail is a nightmare for the machine. Luckily my friend gave me a stud detector (payment for running thru his old timber in the past) so it will help to find any stragglers left behind

what can I say, I'm a woodworker no a secretary lol


I'll try a do over - yes I bought some new tools, did you see them?

2 table saws
thincknesser
buzzer / jointer
drill press
mortice machines, 1 chain and 1 chisel
some really old saw sharpener????
8' belt sander
radial arm saw
dowelling machine
grinder
all of the above are 3 phase

I think that is everything, I have another TS and a 26" bandsaw dating to 1915 and about a dozen lathes. Then there is hand, power, battery and air tools

I will be here, the tools should be here in the region somewhere. Not sure if I will have a workshop to put them in by the time you're up here.

think I wrote bettera this time, I'll just read it all again and make sure

[edit] Priscilla - check this out http://www.woodworkingtalk.com/f2/ne...started-39629/

I wanna hear what you think of that link - he might be coming to visit me in 2015

oh and your timber looks like tassy oak. whatever it is there is no doubt about its strength, it will be plenty strong enough depending on the construction method you use.

I'll come back with an edit to a link for another guy I know who made a pretty average work bench ...... might give you some inspiration

here is the 2 mortice machines and the closest tool is what I think is a saw sharpening grinder. The belt is not fitted to it



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