1" Hardwood for Top of Framing?

For the price alone I would say jump on it! But with the cutting and sanding at no extra cost for sure. If not for your layout take it to build something down the road! Hardwood for free!!!!

Considering that old, well seasoned oak is considerably more difficult to work than softwoods or ply, I would save the oak for another purpose.

Tracker John posted:

Considering that old, well seasoned oak is considerably more difficult to work than softwoods or ply, I would save the oak for another purpose.

With that being said, would it be a viable choice for the framing?

I'd have to agree with John.

Another thought about very aged/old oak planks; you better have a VERY good set of high quality METAL cutting drill bits for drilling holes for wiring, etc.. Also, I can't imagine the trouble you would encounter trying to screw other pieces of wood to that old oak, i.e. probably pop the heads right off the screws trying to tighten them.

Hot Water posted:

Another thought about very aged/old oak planks; you better have a VERY good set of high quality METAL cutting drill bits for drilling holes for wiring, etc.. Also, I can't imagine the trouble you would encounter trying to screw other pieces of wood to that old oak, i.e. probably pop the heads right off the screws trying to tighten them.

Great point! I guess sometimes free ISN'T always for me. Haha. Back to the birch idea!

I have to disagree, if you say you can have them cut down, have them cut down to 1X4's and use carage blots, and use it for your bench work framing! It's already seasoned so it not going to warp, sag, bend. Great stuff!

mike g. posted:

I have to disagree, if you say you can have them cut down, have them cut down to 1X4's and use carage blots, and use it for your bench work framing! It's already seasoned so it not going to warp, sag, bend. Great stuff!

Thank you!

I used an oak trim.

Definitely use it for your bench work framing, but avoid using it for the deck under your track. Oak will change its shape (warpping and twisting) as it becomes acclimated (moisture equalization) to its new environment.

Dave Zucal posted:

Definitely use it for your bench work framing, but avoid using it for the deck under your track. Oak will change its shape (warpping and twisting) as it becomes acclimated (moisture equalization) to its new environment.

If it's properly dried, oak is very stable - far more so than pine from the lumberyard.  Any wood should be allowed to acclimate to its environment before using.

With oak, you will need to pre-drill for every fastener.

Probably years ago, there was a post how to build transformers(Models our of wood). I want to create a couple, can any one help with the idea?  Thanks  Ol Blue

If you are into any woodworking, JUMP on the offer.  You will likely need to clean up the wood (remove gum and old finish) wit a planer and table saw.  I would seal it and use it for all the framing. 

The rest can be used to build oak storage and display shelves, etc.

Jan

If your building a permanent layout I would definitely use the oak. Plane each board down to size then rip to the desired size. Pre drill each screw hole and counter sink the heads. Finish off with a light stain and varnish. You'll have a show piece for a lifetime.

I'm into woodworking but the time and extra effort needed to dress up and trim the free oak, let alone the pre-drilling required for all screws, would still drive me to use softwood and ply/MDF for the platform.  Mike's photos show the only use of the oak that is most appropriate.

Tracker John posted:

I'm into woodworking but the time and extra effort needed to dress up and trim the free oak, let alone the pre-drilling required for all screws, would still drive me to use softwood and ply/MDF for the platform.  Mike's photos show the only use of the oak that is most appropriate.

Thank you for your perspective! That thought crossed my mind, too.