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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: Leldon on August 03, 2011, 07:27:39 pm

Title: Alder
Post by: Leldon on August 03, 2011, 07:27:39 pm

Hi all

I am wondering if anyone has ever used alder. I know it stains really good burnsides about it. I am looking for something to cut some of sheilas candle trays in and stuff that mIght be fairly detailed.

Thanks for the help in advanced
Leldon

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: dgman on August 03, 2011, 08:16:57 pm

Leldon, I have used alder a lot. It is of medium hardness and cuts easily. I know it stains well although I have never stained it. It takes oil nicely.
Check the stock carefully as I find a lot of defects in it such as checks and sap pockets. But over all I would recommend Alder.
The frame of this portrait was made with alder, and oiled with a 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits.

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: Terry Jackson on August 04, 2011, 12:21:34 am

Use it a lot, re-sawn to 1/8 to 1/4.  Takes detail well, finishes well.  Like it a lot.

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: Leldon on August 04, 2011, 04:08:01 am

Thanks Dan and Terry! I believe I will call the wood guy tomorrow to find out the price!

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: Gabby on August 04, 2011, 04:32:58 am

Quote from: dgman on August 03, 2011, 08:16:57 pm

Leldon, I have used alder a lot. It is of medium hardness and cuts easily. I know it stains well although I have never stained it. It takes oil nicely.
Check the stock carefully as I find a lot of defects in it such as checks and sap pockets. But over all I would recommend Alder.
The frame of this portrait was made with alder, and oiled with a 50/50 mix of boiled linseed oil and mineral spirits.

Dan what the heck is that in the picture? I can't make it out!
Gabby

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: SheGold on August 04, 2011, 05:52:01 am

Gabby its a dog .. ;D Looks like it is laying down.. Sheila

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: dgman on August 04, 2011, 09:45:54 am

Thanks Sheila!

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: Russ C on August 04, 2011, 12:57:35 pm

I have never used Alder. It made a nice looking frame Dan.
@ Gabby. Remove your glasses from on top of your head and put them on. It will help. LOL  :)  :)  :)

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: Gabby on August 04, 2011, 08:11:11 pm

I'll be D****d I only saw it in the thumbnail after being told what it is. The only thing I can think of is the camera angle. I could see the paw and leg but the rest just wouldn't come together.
I DID HAVE MY GLASSES ON can't see s**t without them.  ::)
Thanks Sheila.
Gabby

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: EdwardW on August 08, 2011, 09:24:00 am

I've been using Alder for word art and simply using a few coats of deft spray satin and it really seems to come out nice. Easy to cut and readily available at Lowes Home Supply out here. (colorado)...

Title: Re: Alder
Post by: Gabby on August 09, 2011, 02:37:11 am

I liked working with the local Red Alder, and back when I could still afford gas for my generator to run the shop, I turned these on the lathe. Finish is BLO and bees wax no stain, applied while spinning then buffed with a dry rag before taking it off the lathe. Hope it loads this time too big before. Good it loaded, as you can see I liked to leave the bark on, I liked the affect it made. The large one on the right is a bowl my wife bought in Utah years ago and it's turned from Aspen if I remember right.
Gabby