chipmaster Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 I've read where some guys hate oak, others love it. All I know is that it's hard wood and I really don't know the difference between red and white. I have the opportunity to retrieve some oak planks out of a barn that was built in the 40's. Some is 6/4 and 16 wide, up to 15 ft long. My question is, how do I tell if it's red or white and how hard will it be on my thicknesser and other blades being that old and VERY dry. Thanks for your help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFatBaron Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-red-oak-from-white-oak/ That should help you with your identification. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipmaster Posted January 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-red-oak-from-white-oak/ That should help you with your identification. Thanks..that will be very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skiback46 Posted January 30, 2013 Report Share Posted January 30, 2013 I have used a bunch of oak from an old barn for my dining room table, and a few other things. One thing I did was to take a hand held beltsander to it to get most of the dirt and stuff off the wood before I jointed and planed it. Definitely saved some time sharpening, and planer blades. Once that first layer of crap was gone it behaved like any other oak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 There's a fairly significant difference in appearance between red and white...good quartersawn white oak has heavy, long ray flecks that add a ton of visual interest. Red oak has them, too, but they're not as prolific, the flecks are much shorter, and you don't really see quartersawn red oak all that often anyway. White oak is rot-resistant, far more dense than red oak, and has a less opened-pored grain structure. If you still can't figure out what you're looking at, you can find out conclusively by looking at freshly cut end grain. Google it and I'm sure you'll find examples. I think what most guys who hate oak hate is the flatsawn red oak that has that standard cathedral grain pattern and that hideous country look. I never ever use red oak because it does nothing for me aesthetically, but I love white oak...as long as it's quartersawn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRBaker Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Chip, make sure you get all the nails or your planer will find them for you (If your jointer doesn't hit them first) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
millssnell Posted January 31, 2013 Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Just curious in line with the topic... What would you expect to pay for: 1. New quarter sawn white. 2. Old quarter sawn white. 3. New flat sawn white. I have looked at quarter sawn online and it can be pricey. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipmaster Posted January 31, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2013 Thanks everybody. As usual, this is all very helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMadson Posted February 1, 2013 Report Share Posted February 1, 2013 Finished a similar project a while back http://www.jmadson.com/2012/12/16/barn-wood-table/ Thought you might like the pictures Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chipmaster Posted February 8, 2013 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2013 Finished a similar project a while backhttp://www.jmadson.com/2012/12/16/barn-wood-table/ Thought you might like the pictures Joe Thanks Joe...nicely done...looking forward to seeing what I can do. R.A. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthearted Posted March 7, 2013 Report Share Posted March 7, 2013 http://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/distinguishing-red-oak-from-white-oak/ That should help you with your identification. Great Site--I have not come acrossed--thanks for the link! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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