I'm salvaging some cedar from the windows I replaced last year. This stuff has been exposed to the elements (under a flaking coat of paint) for over thirty years, yet when I cut into it it looks to be in better condition than most of the other species in my shop. Amazing!
I've heard that cedar needs grow for at least 15 years old before it starts to have its preservative properties. The wood I have has done well, but there's a limited supply. It's done so well that I'm certainly anxious to build my next outdoor projects out of cedar. But I have a limited supply so do I need to take extra care when buying new, to make sure it's old enough?
I've been slicing off 1/2" strips to glue up for a wall mount mailbox I want to build. The quantity of dust that fills the air is like no other wood I've cut. Is this normal?
My mailbox will be six or seven inches up and down, and I want the two ends to also extend below the bottom to serve as hooks for a newspaper. If I glue up the front and back faces so the strips are horizontal I'll be in a cross grain situation. Will that be a problem over seven inches? I'm in Ottawa where all seasons can be a bit harsh. If so, what kind of solution would you suggest? Also, what kind of glue should I use?
Thanks.
- Owen -