SWWTBO (my daughter) would like some shoji-type screens. Construction is not too bad, just a large open frame in which you put the paper. And I have seen several alternative designs which would work well.
Question: What sort of wood can I use for a thin (3/4 – 1 inch) frame about 6 feet tall and, say, 2 – 3 feet wide? Most of the stuff that I see laying around seems to warp at the slightest touch. However, there are a couple of good stores around (Owl Hardwood) so I can get something.
Paint grade is fine. It ain’t going to be a work of long-standing art.
Replies
Try to track down some Sugar Pine. Most that I used to get was 5/4 , but you can rip or plane it thinner. It is the most stable and straight , cost effective lumber for this type of work.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
They kill Prophets, for Profits.
poplar might also work well...they even carry it at HD
http://www.cliffordrenovations.com
http://www.ramdass.org
What are you going to use for the paper? I built a coffered ceiling with hidden light fixtures. The ceiling was painted white, so i was able to use a shoji paper for the translucent panels. looked great, worked well.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Whatever wood you decide on, the trick is to sticker it when you get it home, and let it acclimate for a couple of weeks in a place with a similar environment to its final place before you start to work with it.
Its also a good idea, when you rip and/or plane it, to make it a little oversize, let it sit a day or two, then rip and/or plane it to final dimensions.
Straight grain wood will be more stable than something with some wild grain. And quarter sawn (verticle grain) will be more stable than flat sawn.
Why can't it last?
I have used sojhi paper for many thing lamp shades, whiskey cabinets. the worst thing is a cat. Can be re lined if needed. break all your edges and how are you going to attach?
There are some good web sites out there. It is something that can really set your work apart.
"Why can't it last?"Well, actually it is for a location that will probably be temporary. But I usually overbuild things, so it might be around for a while."I have used sojhi paper for many thing lamp shades, whiskey cabinets. the worst thing is a cat."Having a cat at home, I can understand why the cat might object to being covered with the paper! <g>In response to another question, I have no idea where I am going to get the paper. I will worry about that after I actually get around to making the thing. SWWTBO must yield to SWMBO who wants the punch list around the house finished. Picky, Picky! It has only been 10 years.
They use various hardwoods here in Japan, for shoji doors lately I've seen clear Hemlock as well. the outside frame is thick, then most of the time they are reinforced with grilles/grids on the interior of the door.
I guess you can get the paper for them over in the US right? Here you can get it at the home centers, etc. I've rented apartments here before and when you move out they always take some of your deposit to have the shoji's re-papered. Inevitably, being a big Canadian in small apartments, shoji's don't last long in my places.....
SS
Have you come across a waterproof paper? Something along the lines of fiberglass I think.I want to do a sliding bathroom door that will be subject to some water. I'm planning on teak wood, and I'm pretty sure I read about a paper that would work, but I haven't found it lately.
The sites listed above sell waterproof material.
Do a search on shoji paper. You will get a ton of hits.
I use a pvc coated paper for Japanese lanterns. It is rated for heat (still use CFLs to futher reduce the heat) and won't discolor. I can't recall the site where I located the paper, but do remember it was shipped from Hawai.
It is a lot tougher than real rice paper and can be glued with contact cement with no resultant staining or stain creep at the edges.
I bought my paper mail order from Atlanta. i called and talked with the store owner, he was first-gen japanese and we had a hard time communicating. I bought some syntheic paper and it was great. I'll try to find the details."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Good straight grained wood like Douglas fir or Mahogany. Light, and cuts good for mortises.
There is also plastic sheet that resembles paper. I'm in NJ and years ago there was a place in NY that sold shoji screen material. I'm sure you'll find a supplier from google. Good luck.
Go here for rice paper. Also other sites if you Google rice paper.
http://www.shojidesigns.com/sale.html
Wayne
I googled this a little while back. This place seemed to have some of the best prices and many varieties.http://www.eshoji.com
Thats a good site. I couldn't find it in my fav's so I sent the other one.
Wayne
If ya just want Rice paper Hobby Lobby sells it. Don't know if there's one in your area but they sell it in sheets and rolls. I bought some for a lamp I'm making and I think I paid 9 something for a pack of48 12 by 18 inch sheets. On sale.
Wayne