Timber Selection

[cowfoot]

I've pretty much used up the first load of waney boards I bought from English Woodlands Timber a couple of months ago (might get round to posting some pictures of what I made eventually).
It's the first time I've used anything other than damp twisted pine or ply full of voids from Wickes...what a difference! It's a bit of a hassle getting to the stage where I can start making joints, but having to stop and think before cutting to size adds another dimension (or a bit extra to the kindling pile if I'm not careful!). I've actually started planning projects around the boards I have available and how they'll look.
Anyway, the last batch was Ash, Sweet Chestnut and Cherry.
I was amazed by the Ash, stunning grain and swirly patterns, really easy to work with, bit worried that the finish I used (Osmo Oil) turns it too yellow though. Oh, and did I mention that it's CHEAP! Really cheap. Absolute bargain.
The Chestnut was also nice to plane etc, turned my fingers and irons black though...looks a lot like oak to my non-expert eye. Cherry again was easy to work with and very easy on the eye.
So...sorry about the status update, what I really wanted to know is if there are any other woods I should be investigating (other than all of them!)? I'll probably restock the Ash, might give Sycamore a bash this time. The missus wants some bedside tables, which is fair enough as so far I've just been making storage for my tools...

 

[thetyreman]

cedar, sapele, white oak, maple, there's a few to try.

 

[marcros]

to be honest, i would buy timber for your projects, rather than buy it for stock. then you chose what look you are going for and select the boards to suit. soon, you will generate a lot of offcuts, so have all sorts of bits and pieces to experiment on

 

[memzey]

I've never used cherry and I'd really like to. Think it has a really nice, warm sort of colour.

 

[cowfoot]

to be honest, i would buy timber for your projects, rather than buy it for stock. then you chose what look you are going for and select the boards to suit. soon, you will generate a lot of offcuts, so have all sorts of bits and pieces to experiment on

I'm happier having a look at what I've got and working out what to do with it.
Both ways work, I suppose.

 

[RobinBHM]

Enjoy using ash whilst its available, I hear it wont ve around for very long.

The American is now only available from a few sawmills in the NY region and it generally contains lots of brown.

Cherry is a great timber, mild working close grained, cuts and sands well.

 

[John15]

European Oak is a pleasure to work with, it's widely available in varying thicknesses and moderately priced too.

John

 

[sunnybob]

Add Mahogany and American Black Walnut to your list.

I think mahogany is the easiest wood to work with, very forgiving of a newbie's errors.
Walnut is very nice to look at, but its very brittle and needs care to avoid tear out of the corners when cutting or routing.