Thread: Need help with timber elasticity

If you mean something that can flex a lot without snapping and will return to its shape karri I believe will do the job. Hope I spelt it right


Dave

The Turning Cowboy

Originally Posted by DaveTTC

If you mean something that can flex a lot without snapping and will return to its shape

Yes that is exactly what I mean, I am using it in place of a metal spring
If I am unable to get any karri is there any other species?

Also does anyone know of any speciality timer suppliers in eastern Melbourne?
I am travelling to Perth soon and will try and get some karri there as it is native there

Originally Posted by sheddewller

anyone know of any speciality timer suppliers in eastern Melbourne?

Mathews Timber and Brittons Timber.

Craig

How far does it have to flex? 100mm isn't very long to get much flex in with 10mm timber, it will be a pretty stiff spring I would think!?

You could talk to someone like NCArcher on the forum, he makes bows (archer) and has a good list of springy timbers.

U
You
Ewe
Yew
The one long bows were made from in England!

Paulownia is used in the manufacture of kite boards. (Snowboards as well I believe.) It is used because it has a 'memory' that fiber glass doesn't. The board is glassed around a 15 mm thick length of Paulownia to ensure the board does not take on a twist because it is constantly being ridden in a certain direction. My experience with the timber is that is will bend well and return to shape. You should be able to buy some from Port Phillip Plantation Shutters in Melbourne.

Whitewood

I trod on a valley board from karri spanning about 3.6 meters. Was not nailed, just sitting on two I beams above a flag roof that was being altered.

My guess is was about 180 x 22 rough sawn. It did not break though sagged a good 400 mm. Couldn't believe it so mate even heavier than me also for on. It sagged more but did not snap.

He reckoned it was because it is a long grain timber. I do t know but I still remember 15 yrs or more later.


Dave

The Turning Cowboy

The best wood I know with spring is Silver Ash, Flindersia schottiana. I know that it also can be used for bows. It is also used for bending to make wooden wheels. It has also good lengths with no knots.