Walnut substitute

**Larkan** · 16th August 2021, 12:50 PM

Making a Model A Roadster with a set of plans that specify Walnut timber. Here is my thought bubble.

I sadly have no walnut and imagine here in Aust it would not be inexpensive. On that basis I'm thinking of alternatives. There is nothing really stopping me using whatever I want.....right?
In the past I worked happily with American maple, I also have some Cherry and Jarrah too. This was when making a US Model T Postal Truck (attached), I just worry the Jarrah would prove "cranky" and hard to work with. I think I also have a small quantity of Blackwood. Any suggestions? I'm leaning towards the American maple (it is amazing to work with) and the Cherry which seems similar.

Cheers Kerry

**crowie** · 17th August 2021, 10:12 PM

G'Day Kerry,
I like using "Spotted Gum" for toys but will also use pretty well any Aussie hardwood I can scrounge and recycle.

Another I use occasional is Blackheart Sassafras; Oh I also manage to score merbau offcuts for my builder friend.

The hardwoods machine well with shape tools and their figure, grain & colours add interest to the toy/model.

I make my own finish, a mixture I was given by an old master woodturner mate Ian as follows"
30% Pure Tung Oil
30% Mineral Turps
40% Clear Satin Polyurethane

I hope that's some help, Cheers Peter

Thread: Walnut substitute

Thread Tools

Search Thread

Walnut substitute

Similar Threads

Spruce substitute?

organoil substitute

Substitute for Chinese elm?

Acacia or Asian Walnut or American Walnut Timber Floor

Posting Permissions

	ANZAC DAY The spirit lives on. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember them. Lest we forget.
This day our nation unites to commemorate the sacrifice of fallen servicemen and women during times of war. And the Band Played Waltzing Matilda \| Mothers Daughters Wives \| I Was Only Nineteen \| Diggers Lament