Figured NZ silver pine

[Andos]

Also called manoao.
I'm considering buying this
http://www.rarefind.co.nz/gallery3/inde ... -1317-35-1
Back and side set is $400.

Are there any luthiers here who could give an opinion as to whether silver pine makes decent box or not?

[kiwigeo]

Also called manoao.
I'm considering buying this
http://www.rarefind.co.nz/gallery3/inde ... -1317-35-1
Back and side set is $400.

Are there any luthiers here who could give an opinion as to whether silver pine makes decent box or not?

For $400....I'd expect something fairly special for that price. I'd be looking at density and dimensional stability specs.

"Manoao timber is classed as very durable. It is yellowish/white in colour and sometimes mottled. It is straight and even in the grain, dense, firm and compact. Abundant white crystals on the surface of the seasoned wood are the origin of the name “silver pine”. However this makes the wood difficult to paint and varnish. Timber characteristics, with P radiata figures shown in brackets for comparison, are as follows: -

Density @ 12% m.c 610 kg/ m³ (500 kg/m³)
Moisture content: green 65% (130%)
Tangential shrinkage -green to 12% m.c 3.3% (4.7%)
Radial shrinkage 2.0% (2.2%)
Modulus of rupture 61 Mpa (90 Mpa)
Modulus of elasticity 6.4 Gpa (9 Gpa)

[Andos]

Thanks for that Martin.
But I don't really know how to interpret all that
Here's my best guess
Density is on the lighter side for a back.
Tangential shrinkage is getting up - so if cross sawn there may be stability problems.
Mor and Moe are max breaking and bending loads? Neither are that high.
Conclusion probably a bit squidgy for a decent box???
Run a mile lol
It was his figured Black Maire I was after but that's been sold.

I think it's getting time to shout myself a 2 volume Christmas present by the he name of Gillet and Gore!
So far everything I've made has been out of lengths of $40 8x2. I wouldn't want to waste s good bit of timber through ignorance and inexperience but I hanker for something a little sexier looking.