Wellingtonia - Sequoiadendron giganteum (Redwood) Shoe Rack

[Harbo]

Here's a couple of picture of a the 3 tier shoe rack (cabinet) I have been making for my daughter from some locally sourced Giant Redwood (she likes the colour!) :

Simple design using stopped rebates - designed to sit on the floor - not the table!! 1.1m x0.5m x0.35m

The redwood was very difficult to work with and prone to splitting. Very difficult to plane due to the grain structure. Had to resort to a fair bit of sanding and finished with Osmo and a coat of wax.

 

[sawdust maker]

Nice clean functional piece of furniture. I've heard it's difficult wood to work but never used it myself. Is that the natural colour?

Paul

 

[Harbo]

Yes that's the original colour though not as red as when I first cut into it.

Here's a pic. of it unvarnished (with blue glue marks - removed with phosphoric acid):

The Osmo varnish did not alter it much. I have been told it will fade in time to a more brown colour?

My local wood supplier nearly gave it to me as nobody else would touch it - he still has a lot left!
It took a long time to dry out and most of the boards split so had to biscuit joint them in strips. When dry the wood is very light but easily marked. The growth rings are quite wide with the lategrowth very hard but the other growth very soft - plucks out easily when planing. In all, a bit of a challenge hence the simple utilitarian design?

Rod

 

[brianhabby]

Whatever the problems with the wood, you seem to have solved them okay, I'll bet your daughter's pleased with it.

regards

brian

 

[sawdust maker]

Whats this about removing glue marks with phosphoric acid and where can you get it. Also what do you keep it in, doesn't it dissolve glass?
Paul

 

[Harbo]

It was part of the thread on Oxalic Acid (Rhubarb).

I tried some "Milk Stone Remover" which is concentrated Phosphoric Acid - used to clean rust off old tools etc. Cheap way to buy Jenolite - bought from farm suppliers about £9 for 5 litres.

The Titebond III I used stained the wood blue despite wiping off with a damp cloth. The acid removed the stains in a few seconds - wiped it off with water asap. Only time will tell if it damages the wood but seems OK for now?

Rod

 

[PowerTool]

Nice piece,Rod - timber is a beautiful colour,so well worth the time and effort you've put in.

Andrew

 

[woodbloke]

Rod - very nice piece, glad the Osmo worked out well - Rob

 

[Harbo]

Thanks for your kind comments folks and Rob for your advice on applying the Osmo - magic stuff!

Rod