The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed Softwood for Bed

I live in an area where Cedar and other softwoods are plentiful. What's the downside of using these types of wood for the bed. I was considering using a rare wood I have that has great flexibility (Araucaria) as I harvest the cones. Any thoughts?

I don't know about some of the exotic woods, but I sure wouldn't use red cedar considering it's prime characteristic is how easily it splits as well as how easily it dents - good yellow cedar might work, but wouldn't be on the top of the list of possibilities either

don't know enuff about Araucaria as lumber, but what I've seen is pretty knotty w/ interesting grain that might not lend itself to long term stability as planks - if you have access to some straight grain away from heartwood, you could try some testing for weathering, stability, and durability - otherwise there's lotsa fir around!

Bill

magnolia,

Cedar sure seems soft for this task...I know you must have zillions of acres of Douglas Fir around. If the truck is a worker as opposed to a show-er, the Fir is tough, cheap and real available. If you wanted to go nuts, you could get clears and it would be almost show grade.

I think the factory wood was sometimes Southern Yellow Pine..cheap and tough. These were working trucks for working men. Figure out if you are going to use it, or look at it, that will make the decision easier.

Stuart

Thanks! The Araucaria (Monkey Puzzle Tree) was used for propellers and has the destinction of having the longest cellsof any tree for flexibility and it's very rare. But... it's soft. In the month I've had the truck on the road I've made 5 trips to the dump, 1 with an old furnace, moved a few dozen 5 gallon bamboo plants, helped someone move a large couch, etc so, ya, it's a work truck. I have access to marine wood finishing stuff. I'm gonna give this more thought. Thanks again.