HPSCHD-L Archives

Harpsichords and Related Topics

HPSCHD-L@LIST.UIOWA.EDU

Options: Use Monospaced Font
Show Text Part by Default
Show All Mail Headers

Message: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Topic: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]
Author: [<< First] [< Prev] [Next >] [Last >>]

Print Reply
Subject:
From:
Peter Redstone <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Date:
Wed, 4 Apr 2001 08:17:21 -0400
Content-Type:
Text/Plain
Parts/Attachments:
Text/Plain (31 lines)
Hi folks! Judith Conrad wrote:

>Liriodendron tulipifera, in the Magnolia family. Very
>elegant tree, with huge flowers in spring, unlike most
>lumber-trade trees. It is planted as an ornamental in
>Europe. The wood is among the lightest of the hardwoods.

According to my trusty Corkhill, yellow poplar (l.
tulipifera) is by no means the lightest hardwood having a
density of .45, which is about the same as true poplar.
It is, however easier to work. It's a beautifully
satisfying wood to use. it cuts cleanly, planes
beautifully, and takes paint very well. The only downside
is its variable appearance. I have some that is a muddy
greenish brown with wide jet-black streaks. I also have
some that is pale cream (not sapwood which is white).

The lightest hardwood I could find during a perfunctory
perusal is balsa, which has a density of .15! (Spruce is
.4 to .55 depending on variety, and walnut is .65).

Best!

Redstone

Peter Redstone,
Harpsichord & Fortepiano Maker,
P.O.Box 75, Claremont, VA 23899 USA
(757) 866 8477
http://www.redstoneharpsichords.com

ATOM RSS1 RSS2