Hardwood dowels, Oak or Ash?

[Richard_C]

I need some 13mm dowel for a table repair job, and was surprised to find a supplier on ebay with a choice of pine, oak or ash. Pine is cheapest, oak and ash price is similar I will go for hardwood, and had it just said hardwood dowel I would have clicked 'buy ' without thinking.

Is there any functional reason to pick one over the other?

 

[marcros]

if they are going to be visible, they are very different.

 

[pidgeonpost]

I've used straight-grained oak many times on furniture where oak is the main or only timber. Ash is fine too IMO, but it may contrast more if the table is a dark wood. Structurally I'm not sure it would matter on furniture. A timber-framed garage we helped put together came with 1" oak pegs and it hasn't fallen down yet.

 

[Richard_C]

Not going to be visible so hadn't really thought of that aspect. Can see now why they sell both. Will go for ash because the leftovers will be of more use to me - could even turn a tiny chess set...... or more likely finials and such.

Thanks.

 

[J-G]

could even turn a tiny chess set......

The grain in Oak and Ash is far too open to be useful for a full size chess set never mind a tiny one.

 

[TheTiddles]

The grain in Oak and Ash is far too open to be useful for a full size chess set never mind a tiny one.

However, you can turn that to an advantage with black spray paint and gilt cream you can make some stunning effects
Aidan