Materials Testing

Beech

Cedar - end grain

Mahogany (imitation)

Maple

Oak (misc)

Teak

White Oak

This is a selection of the hardwoods that I've looked at. I'm trying to find a reasonably pale, tight-grained wood that saws and sands well into narrow pieces.

Of the woods I've tested so far I've found beech and maple to be the most suitable. Beech because its grain is very straight and organised and not overly elaborate. 

Maple seems a suitable choices as well because of its very dense quality and nicely regimented grain structure. Although a little curvier than beech, the grain on maple would probably scale very well because it's not too bitty.

I will, once I find some, also analyse the properties of ash and, if possible, basswood/lime which, is a standard modelmaker's wood.