Early Access Video: Building Furniture with Softwood
Added 2020-03-07 12:01:00 +0000 UTCFriends:
If you read my article on building with common construction woods, you know that I'm thinking about the cheapest ways that we can build real, durable furniture.
This week, I'm doing a deep dive into the properties and uses of some common softwoods like Douglas Fir and Southern Yellow pine. Turns out, many of us are mistaken about the real strengths hidden in these humble boards.
If we pick our wood carefully and think about our materials, we can make some GREAT pieces using the cheapest wood out there.
Hope you enjoy this look at our most under-appreciated timbers!
Happy Saturday!
--Rex
Comments
Rex, just wanted to thank you for being such an amazing individual. You are the sole personality that got me into woodworking and I can't thank you enough for it. I'm nowhere near your level but the more you explain and post the better I get with your instructions and explanations. Thank you one last time you bald headed beautiful man you!
Travis Paul
2020-03-12 22:24:56 +0000 UTCSorry, the simple dovetail box plans. I can't seem to find them!
Mike M
2020-03-12 13:47:37 +0000 UTCWouldn't you know it, that's exactly what I have in mind!
Rex Krueger
2020-03-12 12:05:43 +0000 UTCWhich box? I've done a few.
Rex Krueger
2020-03-12 12:04:40 +0000 UTCOh, I need to get that done, for sure!
Rex Krueger
2020-03-12 12:02:35 +0000 UTCIt seems like there is a lot of ecoing in your basement how about a diy sound absorb like https://youtu.be/pABvTWSxOes
Kristoffer Föhrman
2020-03-12 01:19:23 +0000 UTCRex, can you post the plans for the box again? I was looking for it and can’t seem to find it. Thanks!!
Mike M
2020-03-11 21:35:52 +0000 UTCI am really looking forward to this build. I for one, think it would be great to have a series of softwood build videos.
Forrest Beal
2020-03-09 14:02:21 +0000 UTCJust had a quick look on IG well. Not much there either.
Michael Riese
2020-03-09 10:38:30 +0000 UTCThat is great news! Ash is a wonderful hardwood.
Rex Krueger
2020-03-09 10:36:14 +0000 UTCMy parents dining room? No, sorry. I had a look a few years ago to find some info on Swedish traditional construction methods, but no luck.
Michael Riese
2020-03-09 10:35:55 +0000 UTCIt's a perfect shop project!
Rex Krueger
2020-03-09 10:34:12 +0000 UTCI'm glad. I think it will be well worth it!
Rex Krueger
2020-03-09 10:32:30 +0000 UTCI never thought about that, but it makes sense. I wonder if you can point us toward any resources for chedcking out Scandinavian softwood furniture?
Rex Krueger
2020-03-09 10:32:14 +0000 UTCThank you! I think lots of people don't know to avoid the pith, but it's really important.
Rex Krueger
2020-03-09 10:31:28 +0000 UTCIf you've got a clear one that'd dry, then you're ready to go!
Rex Krueger
2020-03-09 10:30:41 +0000 UTCThanks again Rex. Another really good video, tons of great motivational information. I have just the douglas fir 2x4 for this project. Got when we framing the inlay suite and it was just too straight and nice grained to put in a wall, so it's been standing in my barn for 5 years now. And, I do need two tall stools for my kitchen counter.
William Allen
2020-03-08 17:41:38 +0000 UTCNice video, Rex.
Marc Gigliello
2020-03-08 03:06:55 +0000 UTCThanks for the video! I liked the very specific tip on the knots in the pine and the pith. I had not known about avoiding the pith. Also just listened to the Podcast "Hand Tool Book Review" the first of 2 episodes where your on. What a great conversation you too had! Keep it up and best of luck!
Robert Bullock
2020-03-08 00:11:59 +0000 UTCAnd let's not forget one thing: the moment you get into Scandinavia, everything is made from softwood. structural, trim, and furniture all made from pine and fir. and no issues at all!
Michael Riese
2020-03-07 22:19:38 +0000 UTCGreat video, I'm excited for next week!
Kevin Lundquist
2020-03-07 20:33:40 +0000 UTCSo we are going to build some furniture, yay cant wait, I'm not going to buy any wood because I've got like a bunch of 2×8's and 2×4's in storage that I'm picking up at the end of the month and since they've been in storage for almost 3 years I know they are dry just need to sit them in the garage while I clear out and set up my new workshop (super stoked about that). I am looking forward to this though and when I finish setting up shop this stool is the first thing (besides a bench) that I'm going to build so I can have a shop seat.
The Poor Man
2020-03-07 16:44:03 +0000 UTCGood enough for the video though! Just watch out for pedantry derailing the comments once it goes public
Matthew Leigh
2020-03-07 16:41:08 +0000 UTCgreat post! I am struggling to find good hardwood that is processed in my area. Have made a few connections on Facebook with a few local portable sawmill guys posting "live edge boards" for sale. So I think I can get some small stuff fairly cheap from them. A friend sent me a pic from his hike last night on his property and I noticed a down tree across his trail.. I sent him a text back and said, "is that an ash tree laying there?".. score.. trail maintenance and some ash hardwood all in one shot. Now.. for a place to store it so it can dry out.
Marty Ford
2020-03-07 15:13:01 +0000 UTCTrue.
Rex Krueger
2020-03-07 13:50:01 +0000 UTCA totally fair point. It's hard to simplify.
Rex Krueger
2020-03-07 13:49:50 +0000 UTCA better rule of thumb is that conifers are softwood; everything else is hardwood. Even in the US, there are hardwoods that don't lose their leaves. Live Oak is an example.
Jesse Strawbridge
2020-03-07 13:19:28 +0000 UTCJust to be difficult, many Australian hardwood come from evergreen trees. The deciduous rule of thumb applies mostly to northern hemisphere temperate woods
Matthew Leigh
2020-03-07 12:51:45 +0000 UTC
