Mast Step lumber choice

[scottmacc]

The mast step on my build is 4" x 9" x 65". The designer suggests white oak. I'm trying to locate a piece here in Maine but not having much luck. I'd prefer not to laminate due to questionable gluing properties of oak (though I've heard white is better than red). Wondering what other sugestions the forum might provide. thanks, Scott

[David G]

Scott,

Unless things have changed dramatically since I worked in the area... I find it hard to believe you can't find your chunk of white oak. The locals will likely be by to advise which suppliers to call. I used to use Black Mtn... but they've apparently closed.

If you do need to glue up smaller pieces - don't worry. You can do so perfectly easily. First thing, though... you have the red/white backwards. The bad rap about gluing belongs to white oak. But, no matter. Even the white oak will glue up for you fine. What failures have been reported have all been with epoxy, AFIK. So... you can use plastic resin glue. Or... even better, resorcinol glue. OR... you can use epoxy. You can look up the procedure for epoxying white oak online. Or you can call West System, and they can advise you.

[scottmacc]

Thanks for the info Dave. I'm surprised too. Been online and on the phone to no avail. 2-3" seems to be the max thickness I can locate....unless I purchase a truck-load....or have it shipped in from out of state which will cost nearly as much as the wood.

[Canoez]

Perhaps you might want to talk to Scott (Noseworthy?) at Mystic Seaport. They have lots of Live Oak around for the restoration of the Morgan and often have offcuts available. Considering the size of the timbers, I'd think they'd have something around.

[Canoeyawl]

I would use a piece (or pieces) of true Mahogany.
It's a short drive over to Brooklin boatyard

[Clinton B Chase]

If you know anyone in the yards, definitely ask for some scrap White Oak, Mahog, or laminated Doug Fir would do. You need very little. Wherever cabinet makers buy their wood should be source of Doug Fir. Buy the tightest grain you can find and glue it up to thickness being sure to alternate grain/ring direction.