Using Cedar for Woodworking Projects
Try using cedar for woodworking projects if you're looking for a new type of lumber to create something that lasts long. Cedar comes in many different varieties including the Red Cedar, Spanish cedar, juniper, as well as the eastern cedar. It is resistant to weather compared to the common wood types available. That is one of the reasons why this is a good type of wood to work with. For this reason most woodworkers build outdoor projects like benches, as well as dog houses out of cedar. click here for more info
Dealing with Cedar
Although cedar is actually a great material for your outdoors, still it has its own limitations. Cedar has a tendency to be unstable due to its tendency to grow and contract depending greatly in the season.
Another thing to remember is that wood glues as well as mechanical fasteners like nails and the usual screws but they tend to get worn out over time because of the wood's movement. You should consider using stainless steel bolts which have nuts and even washers compared to mechanical fasteners, because of this.
Apart from being water-resistant, you'd be happy to understand that naturally, cedar also resists decay and insects perfectly. This special trait will make sure you that whenever you're using cedar for woodworking projects, what you make will last for years with care and attention.
Another thing you should take note of when working with cedar is that one of the varieties - Spanish cedar, is very aromatic. Is actually unappealing to pesky insects, even though this type of wood has a distinct aroma which most of us humans would appreciate. For a lot of years, people have used cedar wood to line their closets using this type of cedar to maintain moths as well as other pests away from their clothes. This type of wood is certainly the one for you if you're planning to create a cabinet or a dresser.
Finishing your Cedar Project
You should know that the wood doesn't go well with paint if you're using cedar for woodworking projects. Since you'd be covering the grain from the wood, paint will never be adhering very well on to the wood in the long run. Although everything will appear fine in the beginning, as time passes the paint will crack, and ultimately peel. If you painted your cedar project, you will soon be scraping and painting it every few years. Because of this problem, most people will opt to stain their projects instead.
Once you stain cedar, the wood can breathe and also give it UV protection. This means the color will continue to be longer and appear vibrant even after it is in contact with the elements outdoors. Even if you will still need to reapply the stain on your project, you don't have to scrape anything off, or sand as much compared to using paint. http://youtu.be/LPyKPBX4MkA
If you're using aromatic cedar for the project you need to know that its scent will more than likely fade as time passes since the exposed surfaces would oxidize. If you'd like to have a rejuvenated scent on an old cedar piece, simply sand the surface lightly using a fine-grit sandpaper. Simply wipe down the wood's surface and you'll be very impressed how fast its scent will return.
