Birch blocks?

[polkat]

Is birch any good for block making? I've got a bunch of small chunks and am trying to decide on keeping them.

[Tim McTigue]

I read a discussion on another forum about whether birch could be used for backs (of what instrument I decline to say). The consensus was about what would be expected - none. Some folks had successfully used it for backs, others had bad luck and stayed away. I guess my take would be that if it's hard enough to use for a back (at least sometimes), wouldn't it be too hard for blocks? I've heard that Stradivari used willow, at least some of the time. Not sure if it's as soft as spruce, it might be harder. Not sure how it stacks up against birch, tho...

[polkat]

These pieces are not big enough for plates, but they are big enough for blocks, which is why I was asking. They are harder then spruce by a bit, but not as hard as maple. I've never worked with willow so I don't know that way.

[Wolfjk]

These pieces are not big enough for plates, but they are big enough for blocks, which is why I was asking. They are harder then spruce by a bit, but not as hard as maple. I've never worked with willow so I don't know that way.

Hi,

Birch is a bit heavier and harder than spruce. If it splits well and is well seasoned you could use it.

Willow is lighter than spruce but has a different grain structure. It is also a bit softer and stronger. It is better for linings as it bends very easily. The drawback for willow is, the woodworms prefer it to any other wood!

Cheers Wolfjk

[Ken_N]

I don't claim to know much of anything, but for corner blocks I think you could use just about anything. The end blocks seem like they would be critical for sound, so a good tonewood is needed. I have a birch back that I will put together once I finish the rib stock and neck. Seems like good tonewood to me. Every piece of wood is different. My birch is about the same density as sugar maple. If yours is lighter so much the better. I try to find old light wood on pallets at work for blocks and linings. I usually have no idea what species it is. Sometimes I can't even tell if it is a soft or hardwood.