Replies

1. 
   WillGeorge | Nov 23, 2009 05:00am | #1

   Sort of the same here.. I have two slabs of sapele about 5 feet long by 18 inches wide, I want to make two treasure chests for my China dolls. For at the foot of their beds.

   I think I have enough for the coopered top, front and sides. Now onto to find something for the rest of it. I have some Jatoba plywood so maybe it will be the wood for the back and some Jatoba for the trim? Poplar for the bottom?

   I have a long strip of birds-eye maple to make the center of the coopered top. I do not think it is quite right. To much contrast?

   
   

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   Edited 11/22/2009 9:03 pm by WillGeorge

2. 
   ring | Nov 23, 2009 10:20am | #2

   The question of combining species comes up all the time, and too often for the wrong reasons ("I don't have enough..."). In my (really) humble subjective opinion, you need to have a good esthetic reason to combine woods. The secondary species should add to the sapele's effect, not compete. So if you're dead set on using something additional, then I'd suggest you use something very dark and without strong grain pattern. And use it in a sensible way in several places as an accent to draw the emphasis to the sapele.

   David Ring

   http://www.touchwood.co.il/?lang=e&id=1

1. 
   donbean46 | Nov 24, 2009 03:48am | #5

   Everyone is right, I guess I was looking for an excuse to cheap out.  I've never looked back on a piece that has been done for even a few weeks and said" Don why did you take the extra time and or money to do it right, why didn't you just get it done sooner or cheaper"  On the other hand I have said " If you had just spent a couple more hours here or there you wouldn't have to live with that one little oops that no one else will ever notice but stands out like a red flag to you for the rest of your life."  Thanks for your time to reply and get me back on track.I'ts just one board at a time

1. 
   HWG | Nov 24, 2009 07:22pm | #7

   Don, I made a beautiful desk for my wife from some curly cherry, but I cheaped out and use some plywood for the drawer sides rather than buy a small bit of hardwood.  She's happy as a lark with it, but when I see it I know that I cheaped out and built crappy drawers (with dovetails, no less).  Don't cheap out, do it right -- YOU will be glad that you did!Woody

   
3. 
   Frank Vucolo | Nov 23, 2009 05:24pm | #3

   Hi Don,

   You don't say anything about the style or scale of your project - a period reproduction; a 'period' piece of your own design; a contemporary piece, etc.

   If it is a period piece and you are substituting sepele for mahogany #fine, in my opinion# and can find some reference for a tiger maple galley, and you like it, go for it. If it is a piece of your own design and you love the idea of a tiger maple galley, go for it.

   However, if you are going with tiger maple on a project as aggressive as a secretary because you have it around and don't want to buy more sepele, I think you're making a mistake.

   In my experience, it's usually a bad idea, on a serious project, to make design decisions out of convenience - because you have the material on hand. Don't get me wrong, sometimes the material on hand 'speaks to you." And that's a good thing. I'm not hearing that is the case here, though.

   If you do the following calculation, I bet you will find that the extra Sepele you need is like 1-3% of the total project cost.
         The value of the Selepe you have
      + The value of your time to design, plan and build this piece (we always tend to discount this.)
      + The value of consumables, finish, hardware and secondary wood
      + The value of your shop time, tools and equipment
      = The total cost to you for this heirloom

   I know money is tight these days. Wait. Put a little aside while you are doing the design, stock prep and case work until you can get exactly the material you choose - FOR DESIGN PURPOSES - to complete the project.

   Just my opinion. I'm not suggesting what is or is not the appropriate material. My suggestion is to make the right design decision - one that you can live with and be proud of over the many years this heirloom will be in your family.

   Frank

1. 
   danmart | Nov 23, 2009 10:26pm | #4

   Frank

   This is a photo of a desk I am working.. now and then. I have filled all the small drawer slots with curly maple fronts. Its very easy to dye the maple darker to "blend in" with the walnut but still be a little different. Its a nice contrast it follows a theme to have the figured wood on the small drawers after opening the highly figured desk lid.

   I kind of like mixing some woods. I wouldn't put purple heart drawer fronts next to walnut but.. some curly maple or birdseye maple can be nice.

   I'll post a few photos when I get it done. This is my 4th large commission in walnut and I am getting a little itchy to make a few chairs or clock. Its interesting stuff.

   Dan

    

   Edited 11/23/2009 2:32 pm ET by danmart

   
4. 
   oldusty | Nov 24, 2009 06:56pm | #6

   Hi don ,

       Traditionally there were certain pieces that did have contrasting woods but over the years I have strayed away from any mixtures thinking it would not be traditional or otherwise would not look right . I have always done the embellishment with design and moldings and such .

      But ,,,,,, if you have an idea or make a plan and can see the thing you want and it looks good , then by all means try it .mixing woods is not  everyones cup of tea aesthetically and in some cases it can be more contemporary depending on what look and style you are after it may be good .

       I build mostly cabinets with some furniture here and there but recently had the desire to do an original and unique piece for a willing client .I took a big risk but in the end all is well , here is a look at the most recent of my work.

        the material did sort of speak to me I guess but don't tell anyone

                       regards       dusty