Tom McHugh wrote:
>
>I would be interested in getting a variety of opinion and/or
>experiences relating to the use of wood for outdoor, all-weather
>sundials.
> I have heard that Teak is good
>for ability to endure harsh extremes of weather. Is this true.
>Are there other or better woods?
>
Tom,
If you do settle on wood for dial making then you couldn't make a
better choice than Teak. It's a delightful timber to work although your
tools will require frequent sharpening because of the fine silica
contained in its structure. Sawing and planing are assisted by the
slightly 'greasy' surface. It carves very crisply and lines/numerals will
retain their sharpness. Although some find it disagreeable I love the
distinctive aroma it has when cut. Once smelled - never forgotten!
Burma Teak (Tectona Grandis) is dimensionally very stable, resistant to
wood-boring insects and top-of-the-list for weather-proof timbers. I'm
told it was used for the sleepers of the infamous Burma Railway which
underlines (ouch!) its durability.
Depending on the cut it can have a plain or highly figured surface
although the latter might detract from dial readability.
The only problem might be availability as little is exported as raw
timber nowadays. My own stocks are mostly from salvaged furniture and
ship's fittings from a local shipbreakers yard.
A fair and similar substitute is Iroko (Chlorophora excelsa) which is
sometimes known as 'African Teak'.
Hope this is some help.
Tony Moss
