Replies

1. 
   highfigh | Jan 24, 2005 08:47pm | #1

   Depends on the use. If there's a lot of stress on the joints, it's probably best to use the same material. Softer wood could shear under the right circumstances. Through tenons are stronger, but as I said, it depends on the use of the piece.

   "I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
2. 
   VomSorb | Jan 24, 2005 08:59pm | #2

   Generally speaking, I wouldn't be looking to use a 'weaker' wood as your loose tenon material.

   What's your motivation to use Poplar or Basswood? 

1. 
   ivanb | Jan 25, 2005 12:07am | #4

   2 reasons. I would like to make the tenons in advance, and I figure I could join two different pieces of wood such as purple heart and walnut without having to worry about different rates of expansion and contraction. Any thoughts on this... Ivan

1. 
   VomSorb | Jan 25, 2005 12:19am | #6

   I'd be tempted to find some scrap quartersawn white oak and make the tenons from that.  Does your dealer keep bins of cutoffs?

   If you can't find it in the scrap bin a few boards probably won't kill your wallet.

    

1. 
   ivanb | Jan 25, 2005 12:54am | #7

   Why quarter sawn? I vaguely remember reading somewhere that quarter sawn lumber does not expand /contract across the wood grain, is this true.

1. 
   UncleDunc | Jan 25, 2005 03:27am | #8

   Radial shrinkage is less than tangential shrinkage, but it's still greater than zero. All else being equal, a quarter sawn board will shrink less in width than a plain sawn board, but more in thickness.

3. 
   mike4244 | Jan 24, 2005 11:26pm | #3

   Any wood that takes glue easily will work. A few species like teak are oily, i doubt you will make your tenons from teak.I've used loose tenons from white pine, not much different than poplar in hardness or strength.

   mike

1. 
   ivanb | Jan 25, 2005 12:11am | #5

   Are you worried about the strength issue. I want to maker a bed out of purple heart and walnut.

1. 
   mike4244 | Jan 28, 2005 03:51am | #9

   No, I would think almost any wood but balsa would be strong enough for loose tenons.Never used balsa, that might work too? As long as the grain runs correctly. I don't think the species makes much difference.Ivan, if you are worried, make them out of purple heart.I pay $3.00 bf for 4/4 purpleheart, plenty cheap enough to make a few tenons.

   mike

1. 
   ivanb | Jan 28, 2005 06:55pm | #10

   It looks like I will give a try to this project. I paid 3.49 for 2" wholesale (canadian) for the purpleheart. I thought the price would have been much higher. I was also able to find 3" purple heart. There was some honeycombing and checking but I was able to work around it I make and sell high end rocking horses for a living. If I can get the colouring on the purpleheart just right I think the results will be outstanding.
   Ivan