best wood for...

[killerb]

I am planning to build radiator covers this weekend. I plan to stain the wood and finish with polyurethane (I know many people do not like poly, but I think it looks great and is very durable). Would pine be a good choice? Pine takes the stain pretty nicely with the proper treatment, but I am concerned about warping from the heat. Is there a better choice for an economical (pine is affordable, oak is out of my budget) yet durable, stainable wood. I find polyurethane to be very durable, but I never used it in a high heat application such as radiator covers. Any comments? As long as I am asking, what are peoples favorite wood stocks for general purpose or your favorite project, and how do you like to finish them?

[Doug Miller]

Try maple or poplar. Both are more stable (less prone to warp) than pine, and take stain better too. Maple, left unstained, is quite attractive, and you might consider this. To get a good preview of what a board will look like when varnished (but not stained), wipe it with a clean rag moistened with paint thinner.

-- Regards, Doug Miller (alphageek-at-milmac-dot-com)

[Edwin Pawlowski]

I only know what I've experienced. There may be better, but. . . . . My father-in-law made his covers from pine. They were painted, not stained. After 40 years they did not move, warp, split, etc. Maybe the pine from 40 years ago was better, but these are still working. Ed