WOOD FOR THE BUILD

For this build, we chose some beautiful oldgrowth Douglas fir (Oregon pine) for the bars of the clamps, and gorgeous French sycamore for the headstocks, tailstocks and wedges.

Both species were generously sponsored by Brendan and Seamus Harcourt-Wood of Rare Woods South Africa. Visit rarewoods. co.za for their full selection.

DOUGLAS FIR/OREGON PINE (PSEUDOTSUGA MENZIESII)

Contrary to its common name, Douglas fir is not actually a true fir. Commonly known in South Africa as Oregon pine, these are large evergreen trees that can grow up to 100 m tall. They have excellent strength, hardness and durability for a softwood species and are used in joinery, flooring and construction. Interestingly, in New Zealand, Douglas fir is called wilding conifer and is regarded as an invasive species.

Much of the Oregon pine that originally arrived in South Africa came as ballast in sailing ships and was used extensively in Victorian- and Edwardian-style buildings for structural purposes such as flooring, ceiling boards, doors and window frames. Currently, Rare Woods SA has beautiful old-growth Douglas fir stock available and much of it is quarter-sawn.

FRENCH SYCAMORE

(ACER PSEUDOPLATANUS)

As with all other members of the true maple genus (Acer), the sapwood of French (or ‘European’) sycamore is far preferred to its heartwood. The sapwood of the species can vary from an almost pure white to a light cream colour, with tinting ranging from a golden yellow to a muted red. The heartwood is generally a medium to dark reddish-brown. The grain of the species is typically straight, but can often be beautifully wavy. Combined with its fine texture, it’s easy to work, gluing and finishing well, with a beautiful natural lustre. Not unlike its Acer-genus counterparts, boards can sometimes be dramatically figured.

French sycamore boards are typically quarter-sawn, as the lumber is renowned for its historically sought-after use for body wood in stringed orchestral instruments such as violins and violas, as it possesses superb tonal qualities. It’s also widely used for architectural millwork, fine period and modern furniture, flooring, parquetry, marquetry and turned items.