Looking for low-shrink solid hardwood advice

I am planning to build a pretty intricate wooden mechanism, not a clock but a combination lock for a chest. Of course I could use good quality plywood to avoid the inevitable shrink and expansion problem with humidity but for aesthetic reasons I would prefer nice solid hardwood.

Can somebody give my a recommendation for a wood species that has proven to be good for clocks that is low shrink, reasonably hard, not splintering, machinable and obtainable in a well sorted hardwood lumber store? The parts will be rather small so it is O.K. if not cheap. I guess Teak and Padauk might qualify but I am not sure what else may be better. FWIW the parts will not be glued so no problem if oily.

Thanks,

JB

Pressure casting with clear polyurethane would allow you to use any wood and not worry about shrinkage.

Somewhere on this site should be the info you need for any wood species: Forest Products Laboratory - USDA Forest Service

Buy hard maple, and a pressure kit from www.packardwoodworks.com. Do it yourself, super easy


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Thanks guys, that sounds like it should work. I even have a good vacuum pump but did not think of vacuum impregnating the wood.

The link examples were mostly for pen blanks but I guess I could do some 3/4" thick plates as well.

I am wondering if I might have a chance stabilizing with thin epoxy resin, maybe when heated and really low viscosity? I still have a jug left over from another project.

The problem with heating epoxy is that it will cure faster, especially if it's in a cup, or pot. As the curing reaction takes place, some epoxies can get hot enough to start a fire. You need to make sure you have a very slow setting epoxy.
Depending on the wood species, most of the liquid will be drawn in through the end grain, and on larger sized pieces, you may not get enough penetration.

The most stable wood will be wood that is quartersawn. Depending on the size of the parts, though, it may not make too much difference. Wood movement is measured as a percentage of growth or shrinkage, and for kiln dried hardwoods, it's typically going to be from 1%-5%. That's a very small amount for a small part. And if you live where's there's not a lot humidity most of the year, you might not see much movement at all.

You might be better off choosing wood for it's strength, rather than stability. Depending on the application.