I just wish I could find some decent stuff locally, even when you find a
good price that freight shipping just kills ya!

Patrick
student SPL
aircraft structural mech


"Rich S." wrote in message
...
Stewart Glenn" wrote in message
om...
I'm looking to start a home built aircraft. Does anyone have any
suggestions on which type of lumber to use that's a good alternative for
sitka spruce?

Thanks

Stewart............

While there are several alternatives to Spruce, each has specific
differences, usually on the downside. I must ask, what is the point? While
you may save 50% over the cost of Sitka Spruce, you have to figure that
the cost of the wood is perhaps 20% of the cost of the total aircraft. A
little math reveals that using an alternative wood may save you 10 % of
the total cost.

Even in these days where Spruce is not nearly as plentiful, there are
wholesalers with piles of Spruce 200' long and 100' high and 100' wide.
Not all of it is aircraft quality, but there is plenty for a few more
airplanes. The fun of working with the real stuff is worth the extra few
bucks!

Rich S.