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Spruce for a homemade jointer

1K views 9 replies 7 participants last post by  wormil 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
So im going to build Matthias Wandel's jointer, but it calls for 6/4 spruce. the only thing that i can find at home depot and loves are spruce studs and 5/4 spruce. My questions are, is there another type of wood that works similarly to spruce that can be found at big box stores? Also, what is the price range that i'm looking at? Is spruce considered a hardwood? would normal pine work?

Also, I can get Maple at 30% off the going rate. Would that be better? Id still like to hear what you have to say about using spruce and even doug fir.

Thanks!
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
Spruce, hemlock and fir are sold as "white wood" or
"hem-fir" in many areas. The working characteristics
of the included woods are similar.

Just try to get something dry and relatively straight-grained
and free of all but the smallest knots. It should behave
predictably then.

2×4 Studs are 6/4 - it means 1 1/2" thick finished dimension.

Spruce is softwood. Pine tends to be easier to work
because it doesn't splinter as much but it is less tough
too, imo. I'm generalizing lots here because pine and
spruce are similar. We use spruce in making guitar tops,
for example, because it is stiff and tough in small
thicknesses so it can be worked to thin, lightweight
panels and still have a lot of structural strength.
 
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