Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | Mar 11, 2005 04:47pm | #1

   I like the combination of a cherry frame and canarywood (a rosewood) panels.  Worked well for me!

   Whatever wood you choose, I would recommned frame and panel construction.

   P

2. 
   MarkRD | Mar 11, 2005 07:50pm | #2

   Also, inside - clear birch or light maple (curly if you can get it) Dark shelves/back hide momentos and show dust...

   Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

3. 
   jptenberg | Mar 11, 2005 08:20pm | #3

   You might look into a figured walnut burl for panels--also I have used some french walnut veneer for panels and I like it a lot.   It is somewhat reminiscent of zebrano, with the light and dark stripes, but wilth a little less contrast, and it's much easier to work with.

   As far as the main wood, it depends on what you like color wise--I personally like the combination of cherry with the darker panel accents, but they would look outstanding with a figured maple as a main wood if you were inclined to go with a lighter, more contemporary look.

   Peter

4. 
   SawdustSteve | Mar 12, 2005 01:40am | #4

   I'm assuming you are talking about a 'closed' cabinet. You want the wood that is 'least reactive' to the items in the case. If you put a Civil War lead mini-ball (bullet) in an oak case, even a finished one, the fumes from the oak will react with the lead and rapidly destroy it (The outer surface will turn powdery and the longer it's in the cabinet, the more the destruction). I'd probably go for plain or staned Poplar with several coats of shellac to seal it. Both of these are fairly non-reactive (no fumes or off-gasses).
   SawdustSteve

1. 
   macalex | Mar 12, 2005 03:39am | #5

   Museum cabinets tend to reflect local practice, fashion and cataloge availability. Victorian England, they'd have been oak or (more likely) mahogany, just maybe walnut. Here in New Zealand, almost certainly kauri or rimu, just possibly imported made-up in mahogany or oak.

   Traditional is one thing. Contemporary can be anything. Why not a clear plastic!?

   Malcolm

    New Zealand | New Thinking

1. 
   gerrha | Mar 12, 2005 06:41pm | #9

   Thanks for the good ideas everyone,

   I will try to digest what you have told me and come up with some options for the wood. Several of you mentioned walnut and I have always liked walnut, but I am not sure if it is available where I am now living (definitely not where the cabinets will eventually reside). I am pretty sure mahagony is available, which several of you also mentioned.

   I will probably have to ask for some more help as I get more into the planning of these cabinets.

   Thanks again

1. 
   BG | Mar 13, 2005 01:26pm | #11

   Gerrha,

   Many years ago when we needed to crate up some artifacts, etc. we contacted the conservationists(not proper title) over at the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) and they were extremely helpful. 

2. 
   gerrha | Mar 12, 2005 06:26pm | #8

   Hi SawdustSteve,

   Your point about possible degradation of the artifacts with time from gases emitted from the wood used to make the cabinets is extremely good. If you knew my line of work, you would understand why I am a bit embarrassed at not having thought of it myself, which I did not.

   One of these cabinets will house stone artifacts which should be ok, but the other one will contain mostly bronze items that would be very sensitive to any corrosive atmosphere.

   Sealing of the wood especially in the interior will be very important. From this standpoint, I wonder which woods would be the most stable?

   Thanks again

5. 
   lwj2 | Mar 12, 2005 04:05am | #6

   I'd base my wood choice on what fits into the design/look of the room.

   If you've pine furniture and bookshelves, mahogany would stand out, etc.

   That said, not knowing your room, I'd go with either mahogany or walnut, because I like them.

   You might consider using a light wood for the interior back of the cabinet, to help reflect light onto your display items.

   Regards,

   Leon Jester
6. 
   Telemike | Mar 12, 2005 09:48am | #7

   Go to some of the veneer collections or to a good wood store to figure out what woods you want. Consider the colors of the woods (do they go together!) and the figure (is it too busy for the piece?).

   Most importantly, I'd suggest using a darker wood to frame a lighter wood. For a door, use a darker wood for the rails and stiles and a lighter wood for the panel. It just seems to look better than light surrounding dark.

7. 
   hairball | Mar 12, 2005 11:01pm | #10

   Will the cabinets be more functional or aesthetic? If function is more of a consideration than aesthetics, a more understated design might be in order, along with a more subdued grain pattern. If this is the case, you don't want to overpower the artifacts with an ornate design or wild grain patterns. The focus should be on the contents. On the other hand, if you are looking to make a design statement, it's no holds barred. Let your imagination run wild. Make it as ornate as you dare and don't be afraid to throw some exotics into the mix. It doesn't take a whole lot of purpleheart, cocobolo or zebrawood to spice up an otherwise uninteresting design.