Pine v Redwood...does it matter?

[recipio]

Beech is used by the big German and Swedish toy makers as it is hard and does not splinter. Resistance to knocks and dings is also a factor if you want to make heirloom toys. If toys are to be painted then I would imagine poplar is a good alternative - it would be easier to cut on a scroll saw as well.

 

[LeeAkeroyd]

Hi guys, I've decided to give toy making a go so I've tidied up the garage, dusted off my tools and brought myself a wooden toys book by American woodworker. I'm almost set to go but I'm struggling to understand what wood to use for the toys. The book recommends Pine, but when I called my local lumber yard they said they have redwood which is the same thing. Can anyone advise if this would be a good option for toys, or even recommend something else before I make the plunge?

Thanks for listening.

Phil

Chances are they're referring to Southern Yellow Pine, could even be referring to Oregon Pine or Columbian Pine which in essence I Douglas Fir. All widely available in the UK in clear grades from specialist timber importers.

For a more rustic look (not sure who brings it in these days) but you can get Quebec Yellow Pine which can be quite knotty.

 

[GregW]

Hi guys, I've decided to give toy making a go so I've tidied up the garage, dusted off my tools and brought myself a wooden toys book by American woodworker. I'm almost set to go but I'm struggling to understand what wood to use for the toys. The book recommends Pine, but when I called my local lumber yard they said they have redwood which is the same thing. Can anyone advise if this would be a good option for toys, or even recommend something else before I make the plunge?

Thanks for listening.

Phil

Soak-out zero resin pine is useless really.
Industry makes it paper like to keep it light for transport, and to make it replaceable in 5 years. Redwood is much more resilient, less twisting, and last much longer in conversion to any other softwood now days.

 

[johnnyb]

just to say beech is cheap probably rough sawn cheaper than planed red deal( fifths) if you can plane it up.

 

[LeeAkeroyd]

just to say beech is cheap probably rough sawn cheaper than planed red deal( fifths) if you can plane it up.

Where do you shop? I've never known PAR 5th Redwood to be cheaper than sawn European Beech, unless you're buying off cuts.

 

[Chip shop]

Some of the reds I've had recently has been bloody appalling. I buy sawn 9 x 3 at 12' or 16' and grading has become a PITA

 

[Jacob]

Some of the reds I've had recently has been bloody appalling. I buy sawn 9 x 3 at 12' or 16' and grading has become a PITA

If you buy 9x3 it's graded as suitable for use as 9x3. If you hope to resaw it to smaller sizes you will be disappointed. Basically you should buy material sawn to close to the finish sizes you want - it's graded at that size.