I’m designing a writing-type desk for a family member that will use it a lot, and I need some advice on the best wood to use for the design. The desktop will serve as a workbench for making fly fishing lures, so it needs to be tough, and they want a dark finish that is lighter than walnut: How does pecan, ash, alder, or maple hold up for this application? If there are others that will machine well and hold a finish, please let me know.
Thanks for the advice,
Brian
Replies
Just my opinion but alder is a little soft and, depending on finish, writing on it will leave marks. Ash is plenty tough enough but will require a lot of filling because it is so porous. Pecan is a hickory and tough but also porous but not as bad as ash. Hard maple is dense, fine grained and makes durable work benches. Of the woods you mentioned, I'd pick hard maple.
I don't want to put a damper on your project, but if he is using this for fly tying, there is a better alternative. Use a plywood subbase with a laminated top, and solid wood edging. Laminates can be found in any wood grain pattern and are durable. The process of laminating is straight-forward and easy. If it were being used just as a writing desk, then hard maple would be the best choice. I too am an avid fisherman and tie all my own flys. My recommendation of the desk top is from experience.
If you want toughness, use white oak or hard maple. And if you want it to be bullet proof, use hickory. But note that most of your tools will need work if you use hickory.
Support our Troops. Bring them home. Now. And pray that at least some of the buildings in the green zone have flat roofs, with a stairway.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled