Boxwood plus Basswood combination

[rdsaplala]

Hi guys,

 

I am contemplating on using castello boxwood for the stem and keel of a POB build, then using basswood for the hull planking. I'd like to request the opinions of members with experience using both woods if combining the them will likely give an aesthetically acceptable color combination. I've seen builds combining boxwood plus swiss pear and boxwood plus holly, but have yet to see boxwood plus basswood. Thanks in advance.

[rdsaplala]

Thanks Brian, I'm still in the process of getting some info before purchasing my timber. I've been looking everywhere but can't seem to see any picture of boxwood and basswood placed side by side.

[augie]

Aldo-  are you going to stain either or both woods?  I have some of each in the shop and could make a mock up for you.

[rdsaplala]

Thank you very much for offering a mock-up, Augie, I would very much appreciate that 

I plan to leave both woods in natural color if their colors blend nicely.

[augie]

I'll put something together for you.  Should have it on here by my morning.

[augie]

OK, here's what we have.  I edge glued 1/4" strips of boxwood and basswood together.  In the photos, the boxwood is on TOP.

 

This first photo is the bare woods, just sanded:

 

 

The lighting is a mixture of incandescent and fluorescent...... no flash.  The boxwood has a 'richer' look but they are quite similar.

 

The second photo is after a coat of Minwax Pre-stain and then a coat of Minwax Natural stain:

 

 

Still very close, colorwise.  The boxwood is, of course, harder and holds an edge better.

 

Hope this helps and best of luck

 

 

[mtaylor]

I thought basswood was for the first planking as its soft and sandpapers easily. 

 

On a double-planked hull, you would probably be right.  However, Chuck's work with basswood for planking has impressed many folks, me included.  The Syren and Confederacy use basswood hull planking and they look pretty good.  I would think that the softness would be an issue long-term as it would be easy to ding it.

[rdsaplala]

Thank you so much for those pictures, Augie, I really appreciate it

I think they're a pretty good match.

 

Mark, I thought of using boxwood for the stem and keel pieces because of its strength, and then using basswood for the hull planking since it looks pretty close to boxwood, but is much cheaper and can be edge-bent (a cheaper alternative to spiling from sheet).

[augie]

I think you're right on the mark Aldo.  The almost imperceptible difference in tone should work for you anyway.  Glad I could help.

[ChrisLBren]

I dunno Aldo - if it were me I would use Boxwood exclusively.  In my opinion its so much easier to work with hardwoods and Costello can easily be edge bent if you use a jig, soak the planks and let them dry.

[mtaylor]

Aldo,

 

It's your call and a tough one at that.  I guess it boils down to the choices based on the criteria.  If cost is the issue, go with basswood.   There's trade-offs no matter which wood you pick.

[rdsaplala]

Thanks Augie, Chris, and Mark 

 

Mark, cost effectiveness is one consideration, I guess I am a bit wary at using an expensive wood for the first time, for my first scratchbuild (too many firsts seems a bit risky  ). But then again, I plan to also work on my HMS Fly kit (I used this kit as a keel- and stem-donor to my Pegasus but I'm now a bit confident to cut some new keel/stem for Fly). I may have a chance to try out boxwood here before using it on my scratchbuild.

 

Chris, I understand that you used both swiss pear and boxwood for your Confederacy(beautiful work by the way, she looks great )

I found swiss pear to be very forgiving to sharp edge-bending and managed to use it in lieu of spiling from sheet.

Based on your experience with both woods, do you suppose castello boxwood can also tolerate this amount of edge bending?

 

 

Thanks very much again guys.

[ChrisLBren]

I would think so Aldo - if i get some time ill run an experiment for you with a spare 1/8 by 1/16 strip soaking and using a jig

Chris

[rdsaplala]

Thank you very much, Chris, I appreciate the help