Rex Krueger
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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
Travis Paul
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!
Mike M
Sorry, the simple dovetail box plans. I can't seem to find them!
Rex Krueger
Wouldn't you know it, that's exactly what I have in mind!
Rex Krueger
Which box? I've done a few.
Rex Krueger
Oh, I need to get that done, for sure!
Kristoffer Föhrman
It seems like there is a lot of ecoing in your basement how about a diy sound absorb like https://youtu.be/pABvTWSxOes
Mike M
Rex, can you post the plans for the box again? I was looking for it and can’t seem to find it. Thanks!!
Forrest Beal
I am really looking forward to this build. I for one, think it would be great to have a series of softwood build videos.
Michael Riese
Just had a quick look on IG well. Not much there either.
Rex Krueger
That is great news! Ash is a wonderful hardwood.
Michael Riese
My 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.
Rex Krueger
It's a perfect shop project!
Rex Krueger
I'm glad. I think it will be well worth it!
Rex Krueger
I 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
Thank you! I think lots of people don't know to avoid the pith, but it's really important.
Rex Krueger
If you've got a clear one that'd dry, then you're ready to go!
William Allen
Thanks 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.
Marc Gigliello
Nice video, Rex.
Robert Bullock
Thanks 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!
Michael Riese
And 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!
Kevin Lundquist
Great video, I'm excited for next week!
The Poor Man
So 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.
Matthew Leigh
Good enough for the video though! Just watch out for pedantry derailing the comments once it goes public
Marty Ford
great 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.
Rex Krueger
True.
Rex Krueger
A totally fair point. It's hard to simplify.
Jesse Strawbridge
A 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.
Matthew Leigh
Just to be difficult, many Australian hardwood come from evergreen trees. The deciduous rule of thumb applies mostly to northern hemisphere temperate woods
