Safest wood to Build display cases

[50_CAL]

With my expanding collection, I decided to build a display case. The problem is I don't know what wood use. I've searched other threads and can't get a clear answer.

What is the best wood to use when building a display case? The case will be designed to house a few helmets, edged weapons, and badges/awards.

And once the display is built, which stains/sealers are the safest?

[TJ Suter]

I make individual frames for collar tabs, shoulder straps/boards, and medals. I use pine and it hasn't caused any damage to my collection. I know another collector who uses pine as well. He has had items framed for 20+ years with no ill effects.

I like pine because its relatively cheap and it looks 'rustic'.

[Shenkursk]

Jake:

No wood is 'safe.' Wood has a high acid content, and acid moves from the acidic material (the wood) to any less acidic material that it is in contact with. So, if you make a wood shelf (or frame) and put items in there that are in direct contact with the wood or on fabric or other material that is in turn in contact with the wood, eventually the acid WILL migrate to your stuff, and damage will be inflicted. It might be difficult to see, and it may take many years, but it will happen.

One solution is to seal the wood with a sanding sealer and then a good high-quality varnish. Consult an expert at your local paint or woodworking supply store to find the best one for you.

Another really good solution is to build the wood cabinet, then install glass shelving. Not only does this prevent any acid migration problems, but it will also make the case much easier to light for display if you choose to do so.

From the builder's perspective, I prefer the hardwoods (oak, walnut, etc.) Poplar is also an excellent choice - it is a hardwood and quite attractive, but works much more easily like the softwoods (like pine). Hardwoods are not cheap, though. If you are not experienced, you may want to build a 'practice' piece out of something like pine that is readily available at the home improvement stores and quite inexpensive... if you make a mistake, normally it is something that a good coat of paint can help to camouflage!

Good luck with your project.

[Mat Holloway]

Oak is a no no!
It has a high acid content, a lot higher and more dangerous than mahogany! I had my case built from mahogany and french polished, by my father!

[50_CAL]

Thanks a lot guys! Using glass for shelving sounds like a great idea, I completely overlooked that way. It sounds like a good idea using something like pine, and just sealing it and varnishing.

Thanks so much guys. Without youse all, I'da built some display out of god knows what, and next thing I know, my stuff is kaput.

[whsammler]

Safest wood to Build display cases

You can also get some nice cases at IKEA.

Here is what im using under $200.00 and looks period...sort of!

come unfinished all you have to do is seal it and assemble.

[whsammler]

Safest wood to Build display cases

#2

[whsammler]

Safest wood to Build display cases

#3

[WARLORD]

pine is a NO. It contains resin that will effect all items. No ammount of sealing will stop this.

[dread]

huon pine

hi all
i plan on making a display case from huon pine a local timber found only here
in tasmaina.as a furniture designer maker it is the only timber i have used that is safe its a very stable timber with no movement as most timber used is around 500 to 2000 years old,it dosent rot due to its high oil content,all though the strong sweet smell can be a bit much
http://www.tased.edu.au/tot/fauna/huon.html
you can buy it in the us or europe but its expencive.
a hard wood that can be plane or very figured birds eye for example is
gum or Eucalyptus,not the easyest timber to work but solid and dependable
fiddle back is quite nice this is a picture of fiddle back black wood
(rare and expencive but you get the idea)
http://www.antique-art.com.au/gallery/items/4740.htm
anywho hope this helps the info is only really good for people down under
but if you can get some gum timber then give it a go

dread

[50_CAL]

pine is a NO. It contains resin that will effect all items. No ammount of sealing will stop this.

Oh no!!!! I'm back to the start again.

So quick question, Is hardwood "safer" then softwood?

[dread]

Oh no!!!! I'm back to the start again.

So quick question, Is hardwood "safer" then softwood?

heheheheehh sorry
in your part of the world softwoods would not be a good idea
fur,or pine from that region has lots of movement ie the timber warps or changes shape over time as all timber dose,softwood movement is much more pronounced than hardwood.
as jeff shrader pointed out there are no safe timbers and you should use glass shelves to limit contact between timber and items,sound advice
whatever timber you use,you need to bring it into the work shop and let it sit for up to two weeks before working it so the timber can acclimatize to its new environment if you are going to use glass then you need to limit the timber movement as much as possible.

sorry this probably dosent help ether

[Aave Johns]

Wood acid content

As a rule of thumb, the darker a wood is the higher the tannic acid levels. Oak has some of the highest tannic acid content, the worst being Tanoak, which was used for the tannery (leather) industry prior to chemical tanning agents. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) in solution can be used to decrease the acid content, but will lighten the wood colour. My suggestion would be a well sealed wood frame with glass shelves, and don't let the items come into contact with the wood. Humidity control will decrease the the effects of acid, can be as simple as using silica gel, just change it on a regular basis.

Regards;
Johnsy

[David Tiffin]

There used to be an article around here somewhere on what woods were safe to use. Seems it was on the open site?? I don't know if it's still there or not. I know that cherry is supposed to be considered somewhat safe. I can't remember any of the others as cherry is what I'm using.