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Honduran Mahogany - QTR sawn only?
http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=46716		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  bcombs510 [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 4:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Honduran Mahogany - QTR sawn only?
Hello,

I have an opportunity to get a fair amount (probably ~100 board feet) of Honduran Mahogany. Not all of it is quartersawn. It's all about 9 inches wide and 3-4 inches thick. The boards are about 15 foot long.

If not on the quarter, what can I use this for? Can I use it for neck blanks? How about bracing? I'm guessing non-quarter B&S would be a bad idea?

Thanks for any ideas.

Brad
Author:  DennisK [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 5:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran Mahogany - QTR sawn only?
Straightness of grain is more important than quarteredness for necks. And Honduran mahogany in particular has less difference between the radial and tangential expansion rates than most woods (2.9% and 4.3%), so it should be especially fine. And 4.3% is still pretty low, so I wouldn't worry about using it for backs and sides either.

Quartersawn black walnut is worse than flatsawn Honduran mahogany, at 5.5% radial expansion. And quartersawn ebony is 8.3% :P
Author:  bcombs510 [ Tue Nov 24, 2015 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran Mahogany - QTR sawn only?
DennisK wrote:
Straightness of grain is more important than quarteredness for necks. And Honduran mahogany in particular has less difference between the radial and tangential expansion rates than most woods (2.9% and 4.3%), so it should be especially fine. And 4.3% is still pretty low, so I wouldn't worry about using it for backs and sides either.

Quartersawn black walnut is worse than flatsawn Honduran mahogany, at 5.5% radial expansion. And quartersawn ebony is 8.3% :P


Thanks, Dennis!

In an effort to learn to fish, if you have some links for research, recommended books, etc... I can read that would be great. :) I'm learning instrument building and woodworking at the same time, so double whammy. :)

I read the article here which seemed to explain some of what you describe above: http://www.woodworkerssource.com/shop/wmov.html

I'll pick up some of this wood and give it a shot. Might be time for a resaw king blade though. This will be some serious work.

Thanks!
Brad
Author:  jfmckenna [ Wed Nov 25, 2015 11:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Honduran Mahogany - QTR sawn only?
There is a lot of potential for a piece of wood like that in any shape or form. If it is a true flat sawn piece then that means that it is vertical grained on the 3-4in width side. 3-4in is big enough for sides and 4 piece backs. BUt even if the grain is off quarter you could use that for many many other things.
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