Greetings, I don't want to bore the Wreck with the details, but I'm into a major remodel of my house. It will realistically take a couple of years, mainly because I will do a lot of it myself (damn that budget!). It will involve amongst others, a new kitchen and bathroom.
Although I would like to do the kitchen cabs myself, my time frame (and current skill levels) won't allow it. But the bathroom cabs are now on my to-do list. :-) I'm shooting for an asian influenced design, and my wood of choice is teak. While my wife and I were at a bathroom supply/design center yesterday we found the exact style we are after. Made from teak and the design we want. Unfortunately her jaw dropped when she saw the $2000 (US) price tag on the vanity. Where she is from, that is what a person earns in a year! (Don't ask, another long story). She told me to find another kind of cabinet that won't cost so much. Damn, there goes the bathroom I wanted. :-(
Lo and behold, what was in the mail when we arrived home? The latest Wood magazine with a bathroom vanity on the front cover!!! She asks if I can make something like that myself. I tell her honestly that I haven't made any cabinets (yet), but by following/adapting the magazine plans I should be able to do it. Of course, I follow with, "But I do need one more tool in order for this to happen". The DJ-20 (too bad the price just went up $50) would complete my major machine purchases, and she gave me the go-ahead to get one. Hot Damn!!!!!
So all of this has led up to a few questions (of course). I'm in the midst of going through some of the 4,190 references to teak via Google. Most of the posts are about finishing, but first I seek advice on buying teak. There are many types of teak, and the cabs we like are Burmese teak. Do all types of teak have a similar look? Can anyone recommend a mail order source, or should I find a local hardwood lumber yard and pick it out myself? I already know it is an expensive wood.
When it comes to machining, I realize using carbide is advisable. Is teak tough on planer/jointer blades also? Are the DJ-20 blades reversible, or should I just order a spare set before I need them? It's worth the price, just to avoid having to stop for sharpening in the middle of something. As for the mortises, I'll probably get the conical stone for the chisels.
Lastly (for now), what about glue? I know this has been hashed out before, is poly the way to go? The oil that gives teak it insect/water resistant also makes it difficult to glue. I'm still looking through Google about glue anyway...
Thanks to all who find the time to help me out, Mark L.