Chris Knight
Established Member
I mentioned elsewhere that I want to make one of these tool cabinets.
Andy Rae used mahogany for his and I might yet do that but I am also considering other woods. So far I have on my radar screen English Oak, Padauk, Imbuya, Goncalo Alves, Black Walnut and possibly Bubinga. I might have used English Walnut but looking at my remaining stock, I decided the wastage would be just too high with the cutting list for the cabinet.
I am after stuff with some character (NOT "character oak" I hasten to add) but genuine if subdued interest (Andy Rae's cabinet had a flitch of flame figured mahogany available for the front doors). I shall probably inlay the front doors with contrasting wood by stringing or some such, maybe even carve something. If I can't find enough interesting wood, I shall use veneers but would prefer to go the solid route.
Of the woods mentioned I have never used Padauk, Imbuya or Bubinga in earnest.
I should be grateful for any suggestions as to what I, or more correctly you, might use - you will have gathered I am after a darkish wood - I will leave the sycamores for the internal drawers. Given the likely high cost of this wood (depending on wastage upto 10 cu ft could be needed) I would like to make an informed choice.
Andy Rae used mahogany for his and I might yet do that but I am also considering other woods. So far I have on my radar screen English Oak, Padauk, Imbuya, Goncalo Alves, Black Walnut and possibly Bubinga. I might have used English Walnut but looking at my remaining stock, I decided the wastage would be just too high with the cutting list for the cabinet.
I am after stuff with some character (NOT "character oak" I hasten to add) but genuine if subdued interest (Andy Rae's cabinet had a flitch of flame figured mahogany available for the front doors). I shall probably inlay the front doors with contrasting wood by stringing or some such, maybe even carve something. If I can't find enough interesting wood, I shall use veneers but would prefer to go the solid route.
Of the woods mentioned I have never used Padauk, Imbuya or Bubinga in earnest.
I should be grateful for any suggestions as to what I, or more correctly you, might use - you will have gathered I am after a darkish wood - I will leave the sycamores for the internal drawers. Given the likely high cost of this wood (depending on wastage upto 10 cu ft could be needed) I would like to make an informed choice.