I’m selecting a material for a drafting table I’m designing. It is an “H-frame” stile with a large (50″ x 36″) top that swivels between two upright posts that are joined to two runner style feet. (attached pic is similar to my design.) Its important that it be strong, with lots of mortise & tenon joinery but there wont be any risk of impact. So softness per se, shouldn’t be an issue (for instance, I wouldn’t choose it for a bed or dresser that might get dinged easily)
But with this frame and large top there will be a lot of torque stresses on the joinery. My other choices would be white oak or cherry but I like the cost of alder and would like to try it out some time.
I’d value ayone’s opinions or experiences.
Thanks!
Rich
Replies
I've been to the Alder several times, each ending in divorce. ;-)
Seriously, I've never used Alder, so I can't speak with any authority. For a drafting table, however, I think I'd lean toward White Oak for the structural members and at least cabinet-grade ply for the top, with hardwood underpinning and a vinyl cover.
Alder is roughly similar to poplar in terms of density. Certainly strong enough in terms of joinery, but yopu can press your fingernail into it. If you don't need the toughness of oak I'd say go for it. It's pretty in its own way too.
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hi guys....
hi...
you can use but i think you should avoid it in order to simplify the task.
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Plantation Shutters
perhaps it's the knots you object to, not the alder? Alder cabinet I made, came out sweet, imo
If I wasn't so old I would be asking how you keep the computer with the Sketchup from sliding off the table and falling on the floor with it tilted like that. I don't know alder but if it is soft and you are going to use a parallel ruler running on twin criss-cross cables you might consider how the side wings on the ruler that ride on the edges of the table top might wear those edges. Just a thought.
PC w/SketchUp on drafting table
I use titanium Velcro to keep my PC on my (tilted) drafting table. ;-)
Oak and cherry pop into my head for this project. You might also consider Butternut. While it is soft, it is excellent to work and finishes nicely.
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