Hardware Podcasts

STL 101: Cherry is No Substitute for White Oak

Shop Talk Live · 30 Dec 2015 · 52m

What this episode covers

Host Tom McKenna, along with editors Mike Pekovic and Matt Kenny, discuss the critical relationship between wood species and furniture design, arguing that cherry is a poor substitute for quartersawn white oak in Arts and Crafts style pieces due to differences in grain structure and ray fleck. The team addresses listener questions regarding finishing failures with alcohol-based dyes and shellac, and the structural movement of MDF panels in humid environments. They also share 'smooth moves' (workshop errors), including cracking an inlay by over-hammering and misaligning veneer grain on a drawer box, while offering practical advice on shop insulation and tool organization.

Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

Topics

Mentioned

Materials
Zinzer shellac, MDF, Poplar, White Oak, Cherry, Madrone, Ash, Walnut, Rosewood, Maple
Also
Fine Woodworking, WD Lockwood

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