Workers Of Wood

I have to make a sign that will be hung outside in Northern Michigan. Tried cedar, but it didn't carve worth a darn, leaving all kinds of strings and splinters. I have to be tween 1.5 and 2" thick. Any other kinds (reasonably priced of course) that I should consider? Will lay about 4 coats of spar on it.

Where do you normally get your wood? Do you have any Lumber Yards there? Maybe they could advise you. What about Barb, she does a lot of signs for that area, maybe she could suggest something.
just thinking out loud,
Herb

How about teak...with some marine spar varnish...? Might be a bit pricey though...

On the other hand, if you're gonna spar it 4 coats, maybe any wood of choice might be ok...?

My own personal choice would be paint. I have yet to see any clear finish that will hold up as good as paint.All the clear finishes I have seen on the coast near the salt water have to be maintained yearly that is exposed to the elements year around. Whereas a good house paint will last for years. Even teak.

My only recommendation for a material Star Board, a marine plastic that is quite expensive but machines beautifully and can be bought in colors, Black,White,Blue,Red, Gray,yellow etc.
I re did all the wood, Marine Plywood w/plastic laminate both sides, that the weather had degraded over a 20 year period on my boat, and all the grab rails in Star Board. I used 1/2", and 1" thick for the grab rails that were up to 4' long and had 4 hand holds.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffnt&q=starbo ... &ia=images
Herb

honesttjohn wrote: ↑Sun Jan 31, 2021 5:21 pm I have to make a sign that will be hung outside in Northern Michigan. Tried cedar, but it didn't carve worth a darn, leaving all kinds of strings and splinters. I have to be tween 1.5 and 2" thick. Any other kinds (reasonably priced of course) that I should consider? Will lay about 4 coats of spar on it.

Western red cedar or aromatic cedar? WRC usually carves pretty good except it can be prone to splitting pieces off on the grain lines but if you cut fast and shallow I would say it should work. The only part that might be stringy would maybe be the white sapwood. Aromatic can be stringy. I have some juniper which is either really close or the same and I don't think it would carve very well. It is more purplish than WRC.

something here should give you what you want...
.

Thanks Stick. This isn't going to be a piece of fine artwork. Just a 3d rustic sign to hang outside a hunting camp, so don't need an expensive wood piece. I cut a second one out of kiln dried finished 2 x 6 glued up cedar and ran a 45 deg diagonal raster for the finish cut. Came out a little better. Did some sanding and put the first coat of spar on. Will see what it looks like in the morning.

It's a little more expensive, but exterior doors are made from Sapele or Spanish Cedar. I've used Sapele (African Mahogany) and it carves pretty well and is extremely weather resistant. Down here it runs about 4-5 dollars per board foot. I have not used Spanish Cedar for carving so I cannot vouch for it.

Found a decent cedar 2 x 6 x8 and glued her up. Carved and started to spar it.

Came out good, John, what are the dim. looks about 20"X25" ?
herb

approx 24 x 16

honesttjohn wrote: ↑Tue Feb 02, 2021 5:40 pm Found a decent cedar 2 x 6 x8 and glued her up. Carved and started to spar it.

Very nice, Jon...good things come to those who wait...looks good in cedar...

Looks great Jon.

Good start for 2021 my friend. Nice job.

Bushwhacker

Nice job John. The upper joint is almost like you book matched the wood. I can't see it at all.

All the spar is on and dried. Got a pic with better lighting.

Really nice.

Okay I'm coming in AFTER the fact, but: Cedar is meant for outside. The only time I get strings and fuzz is when the bit is ready to be sharpened, the grains are too close together, or the wood is too dry (or is it too wet... damn my brain is fogged up!)