subject: How To Select The Right Woodworking Materials. [print this page] Try this experiment: Select wood scraps of a pine and an oak plank and hammer a nail into each one. You will discover that the pine is easy to penetrate, and that the oak is very hard to break through. Knowing the various types of wood before you start a woodworking project makes sense so you pick the right one and have the proper tools to do the job right.
There are two types of wood to choose from: hardwood and softwood. Although there are many decisions to make about the type of wood you select, it pays to remember that hardwood is often more expensive and will require you to use costly power tools. In order to be able to hammer a nail or twisting a screw into a hardwood, you will first need to start a hole by drilling through the material.
For those who are new to the craft and have a few tools and even less cash, choosing a softwood like pine, derived from an evergreen tree will be more comfortable to manipulate and easier on your pocket. If you make a mistake and have to start over, you won't feel so bad throwing a pine board on the scrap heap.
Redwood, fir, and pine are some of the soft wood you can choose from. Cedar is known for its woodsy scent and its reddish hue. It's a popular choice for outdoor projects such as deck furniture because it doesn't rot easily. Redwood has similar properties in that it does not deteriorate from exposure to water. Pine generally has distinctive knots that recall the beautiful look of an early American piece but too many knots can weaken the wood and make it difficult and frustrating to work with, especially if the knots are near the edges. Fir is a softwood, but it's somewhat hard. Because it doesn't have a particularly interesting grain pattern, it's a good choice if you're planning to paint rather than stain when you've finished your project.
Brightly colored fall leaves that tumble to the ground as a sign of winter are the hallmark of hardwood trees. Cherry, oak, and maple are all popular woodworking varieties. Oak comes in two varieties: red and white. Because it is prettier and harder to find, white oak will be more expensive than red. Many woodworkers love cherry, which is softer than oak and easier to handle. If you like the richness of maple, it comes in hard and soft. Stick with the soft maple and let the old pros with their power tools deal with the hard variety. Poplar is among the softest of hardwoods, but often has streaks and won't give your project the beauty of other choices.
Here's an important tip if you decide to go with a softwood such as pine. Hardwoods absorb less moisture. Plan ahead and buy the wood two weeks before you will need it.
To make extra sure the wood dries out, separate the pieces so air reaches all sides.
