I’ve been restoring our old 1881 home. I’ve been planning on installing the widows walk using white oak. I need to turn 120 balusters, make posts and railings and with the cost of the white oak, my frugal side has been whispering into my ear. This is what the whispering has been all about…
I have a lot of old-growth tight grained clear doug fir that is very hard and is begging to be used. It came from a demolition from another old home. It is dry and hard as a rock, but I have turned a few practice pieces from it and it seems to turn well. My question is…
What do you think of this as an alternative to the white oak–especially if I soak it in a clear penetrating epoxy sealer, prime, and paint it? Will I be kicking myself a short while later when I need to turn another 120 balusters? Or is this a reasonable alternative when you consider “free” versus the cost of white oak? I’d rather do this once, if possible, but I wouldn’t mind putting my money into other much needed restoration efforts (like a HEATER, for god’s sake).
Thanks for your input
Replies
The resins in Dfir will help prevent rot. We use it for railings, but I would be suprised if you could turn that many well. The wood tends to be spintery, especially when old.
I like red Cedar for turned balusters exterior.
You should also check into Fypon products
Excellence is its own reward!
I would save it for something inside; up close and intimate where it can be lovingly admired!
Eric