BobInAustin Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 I've started on my shutters by buying everything from Rockler. (Their website for calculating the shutter dimensions is awesome by the way.) Their basswood is pretty pricey though so I was going to buy locally. Neither of the hardwood dealers here has 6/4 basswood; only 4/4. These are going to be painted so can anyone see an issue with making the louvers from 4/4 basswood and the frames from 6/4 poplar? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 Assuming it is an indoor project I think poplar would be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barron Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 If its indoor and painted you could make the whole thing from poplar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom King Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 I agree. I don't understand at all why Basswood is the first choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 28, 2016 Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 Lightweight, soft to hold staples, not prone to warping , affordable, easy to profile........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kbj Posted April 28, 2016 Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 I've built some shutters using the Rockler kit. It makes it pretty easy to get a nice result. I used all poplar for mine and it worked very well. I made the Louvers as well with their router bit. Getting the control arm clips in is a PITA! But you'll develop a routine and find a rhythm for it. I with I would have painted before assembly, but since they were my first run with the kit, I wanted to make sure everything worked ok.... One of these days I'll find the time to spray them... When I make more I will definitely pre-paint everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobInAustin Posted April 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 Thanks everyone. From what I've read, basswood is just stable, light and easy to finish. That is why it is preferred. Poplar is another choice wood but heavier. If I can get straight 4/4 basswood, I should be able to resaw that and get down to the 3/8 final stock I need. Maybe that is too optimistic? I am going to prefinish the ends of the louvers and probably the inside of the stiles. Once assembled I was planning on spraying them. I'm going to sand and prime the louvers before cutting them. I also decided that every window that is the same size will get done at the same time. As far as the control arms, I am going with the hidden ones so I won't have to worry about all of those staples/clips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 With the 4/4 stock i get i could table saw rip and end up with just under 3/8" if your using a band saw 3/8 should be possible, It would be close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 I get 5/16 + stock consistently when resawing 4/4. I get 13/16 S3S stock from my hardwood supplier. If you start with rough sawn it's much easier to get 3/8 but any boards with a cup need to be ripped before resawing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 If resawing 4/4 stock be sure to buy extra. Whenever resawing stock in half there is a chance some boards will turn into bananas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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