The majority of the plans available for woodworking show items built of hardwood. There are many reasons for this besides the look of the finished item. Strength of material has to be a major consideration in anything you build. If the material you use isn't strong enough to do the job, all your work is pretty much wasted as the item won't last. This isn't to say there are no exceptions and in some cases, fudging the plans to use cheaper wood makes sense. I built a pair of tables, originally designed for end tables, to be made of cherry and finished accordingly. My deviation from the plan was based on one major factor, the tables were going to be used on a porch, exposed to a certain amount of weather. I still followed the plan for the most part, making changes where I deemed fit. I used simpler joints in an attempt to get maximum strength from the pine I was using. I cut no corners in fit and finish as the tables would be seen as well as used. The end result was a nice pair of tables. The pine took a little more work to get the finish I wanted but in the end I was pleased. I built those tables about fifteen years ago. The customer was pleased then and hearing from them recently about some other work I inquired about the tables. The Customer is STILL pleased with them. I can safely say, I must have done alright.
Like everything else, the price of wood is going up. That doesn't mean you quit woodworking, you just try to get smarter about it. If your big box store reaches insane prices on your favorite hardwood, try to find a sawmill and buy direct. A little research could save you some big bucks. As the price of wood goes up, our creativity needs to escalate with it. Where there is a will, there is a way!
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Last update : 15-09-2009 12:58
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