Ok the question tells it all.
Apitong. I was told it was a verry good outdoor wood. it sort of looks like mahogany as far as the grain gos. but it is different. a friend bought a truck, this Apitong ,Is what the bed for the truck is made out of. any how he needs some side boards that matches the bed. and asked me to see if I can make them.
What is this wood? and where can I find it? and how much $$$$?
I would be greatfull for any help.
C.A.G.
Replies
curtis ,
I have used Apitong for truck beds several time . It works like Eastern Red Oak as far as cutting , drilling and slotting , rabbeting and such . There was no odd or unpleasant characteristics in the small amounts that I used . I took some of the scrap left and made one of those tone box's or drum box , boy it sure resonated nice . A reputable Hardwood supplier should be able to order it in for you if he dosen't have it in stock . I am guessing at the cost but I imagine 4/4 would go for about the same as Eastern Red Oak in your area .
enjoy the Apitong dusty
Curtis, apitong comes from Southeast Asia and it is cut from several species in the Dipterocarpus genus, which belongs to the same family (dipterocarpaceae) as do the lauans (AKA; "Philippine mahogany"). Another common name for it is keruing. It is comparable in density to our native white oak...but because it is cut from several species, both the density and color tends to vary from shipment to shipment...So, it's a wood better bought in person, rather than by mail order.
Apitong is moderately decay resistant and good for exterior projects, but it is sometimes excessively resinous and can be difficult to finsh. Also, it often has a high silica content that can dull blades quickly...As for cost, it is a moderately plentiful and inexpensive import...at least compared to more prestigious cabinetwoods. In fact, it's often used for crating in the Orient. You should be able to pick up top quality stock in the range of $5 to $7 per BF...or maybe less, if you shop around.
I don't know where you're located, but if I were looking for it (I live in suburban Detroit), I'd contact L.L. Johnson over in Charlotte, Michigan. Their phone number is: (800)-292-5937 and they are nice people to deal with. If they don't have it in stock, they can probably steer you to a source...Or you could try Woodfinder.
I would like to thank you both, for the info. you gave me.
Jon Im just up the street from you . (in Royal Oak) proberly with in 6 miles ide guess?
I havent started to look for the wood as yet, I thought Ide call around today, Detroit lumber, Armstrong, and Johnsons in Charlotte, were on my calling list. I also have a frind in jackson that buys lumber in the 1000bf perhaps he can get this wood cheeper than I can.
again thank you.
C.A.G.
Edited 9/11/2004 8:50 am ET by curtis
>>"Jon Im just up the street from you . (in Royal Oak) proberly with in 6 miles ide guess?"<<
Curtis, I grew up in Berkley and graduated from Berkley high school back in the 50's. I worked at Durst Lumber, as a delivery driver, during high school and college...so I know Royal Oak very well.
Being as you're local, you might want to also call Hanni down at Public Lumer. They're located on the northeast corner of I-75 and 7 mile road...But be sure to go down there in the daytime. Hanni's prices are usually pretty competitive...But Armstrong Mills, out in Holly, is also a good place to buy hardwoods here in the Detroit area.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled