I am about to embark on a new project soon. I Want to make the primary Wood Black Walnut, but I am at a loss as what to use for secondary wood. most of it will be internal but some will be showing like the Drawer sides. Or should I just go with all Walnut. it wouldn't be that much of a cost difference since most of the secondary wood will just be internal stuff.
I like poplar for drawer boxes - especially when the primary wood is dark.
For web frames and internal parts I use lower grade hardwood lumber. On some dressers recently, I used red oak as my primary wood, poplar on the drawers, aromatic cedar drawer bottoms, and white oak web frames.
The white oak was kicking around the shop, and had already been picked over.
I wouldn't change a thing, and it worked out well.
Poplar is a good choice in that the cost is reasonable. it sands and finishes well and if you are doing hand dovetails is reasonable to cut and chisel. I also like birch.
the Poplar is a great choice for the interior wood that doesnt show, and also for the drawer boxes, when I made my drop front secretary out of Black walnut, I used Cherry for the secondary that showed, my wife and I both thought it came out really well.. As you said, there isnt much difference between the cost of one over the other.. just my two cents.. cant wait to see finished project.. Papa
I've always liked Maple for my drawer boxes. It's a good hard wood that finishes excellent. (especially if you can get a little Curl mixed with it) and contrast nicely with almost any other wood. As far as the interiors pieces, even though they don't show, I still usually build with the same wood.
Soft maple or yellow poplar. Goes very well with walnut, and a lot cheaper.
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