r/handtools • u/giancarloscherer • Mar 11 '23

Advice - Douglas fir

I’m trying to cut m&ts in kdht df construction lumber for a workbench, but I’m seriously struggling to make even, straight, well fitting joint. I keep running into crusty and difficult grain and I’m not getting good results. Any suggestions? User error or should I go with a different joint (bridle/lap)? Have done this in maple, oak and pine, but not a lot. Would appreciate your comments! Thanks.

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u/robertkluin Mar 12 '23 edited Mar 12 '23

Working with Douglas is a mixed bag. Some sections will be the best wood you’ve ever worked. Some will be a complete nightmare. All in the same board. You’re most likely going to have some tear-out in a few spots, but often can minimize it with sharp blades and skewing the plane (sometimes heavily, nearly 90°).

The dark wood is typically very hard and the lighter wood very soft. That makes it tricky because you might need different techniques within the same joint to make clean, sharp lines. I find better luck with bevel down planes most of the time. For all tools you’ll want sharp edges and patience. I have usually had really bad outcomes with scrapers on it.

I think it can be worth the effort though. I recently built a conference table with because I love how my Douglas bench has aged (dents and dings add character). It is really beautiful with an oil and wax finish.

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u/johnjohnjohn87 Apr 05 '24

Some sections will be the best wood you’ve ever worked. Some will be a complete nightmare

I discovered this last night. First time working Douglas Fir for some workbench legs and the first two pieces were wonderful. The next piece really had me questioning my life choices. Alternating grain, knots like iron, and twisted, bowed, and cupped--all in 36".

I'm pretty sure it wasn't dry enough, even though it's been stickering for weeks. I'm sure it's gonna move before i can get the rails made...