black ash for ship modeling

[111111]

I recently came across some black ash on sale, and I was wondering if it would be suitable for model ship building. It will probably be used for framing components. Thank you

[Jaager]

It is a relatively soft hardwood ; less than Black Cherry, but about 50% harder than Yellow Poplar.

It should work fairly easily.

The negatives are a course grain and open pores.  It does not scale well.  

If you use it for hidden components, it should do OK. 

If it is of a surface that is painted, an additional step to fill the pores (Plaster 0f Paris) would probably be needed.

Clear finished - the grain could be a distraction.

For frames on a fully planked hull, it should work and if you get a deal, save you money -

framing is probably the most timber intensive part and has the most waste.

Being softer, it will be easier to remove too much, too fast, so a light touch when shaping.

[111111]

Thanks, Jaager, I will probably use the black ash for bulkheads on a pob model

[Jaager]

For POB, you might use it for the first layer of planking with a two layer method.

or for the fill/backing material between molds ("bulkheads") if you opt for one layer

of planking on a solid support method.