If you're going to tackle them with a lathe, here's one of the bazillion things you can do.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Turned-Off-Center-Door-Stop/

 

No.

Isn t poplar just a subspecies of alder? I could swear I ve heard it referred to as "eastern green alder".

- Mr_Pink

- ArtMann

Don't listen to art. I've been here twice as long so it means I know twice as much. And I've posted like 10 times what he has. So it means I'm smart.

 

Not sure how it carves compared to pine or basswood, but those sizes are perfect for duck decoy bodies or maybe carved fish.

 

Joint them then resaw them and make matching guitar and basses.

 

Poplar. Bleck. It gets painted or burned. It even smells bad when you cut it… lol.

 

No.

Isn t poplar just a subspecies of alder? I could swear I ve heard it referred to as "eastern green alder".

- Mr_Pink

- ArtMann

Don't listen to art. I've been here twice as long so it means I know twice as much. And I've posted like 10 times what he has. So it means I'm smart.

It's an honor to have someone of your impeccable reputation and unrivaled intellect agree with me.

 

No.

- ArtMann

Don't listen to art. I've been here twice as long so it means I know twice as much. And I've posted like 10 times what he has. So it means I'm smart.

- TheFridge

Spoken with such confidence, it has to be true!

 

I've used poplar for inexpensive solid wood backings to bathroom fixtures that are usually mounted via plastic drywall bolts. For example, the towel bar - most are 18" or 24" so you're only working with one stud over that span. But having a solid 3/4 piece of poplar (which you'll rout to some nice edges) allows you to drive 2 screws into the stud, and mount the towel bar to the backer. Makes for a dead solid mounting and can add class if done correctly.

 

Laminate them together to make a really hefty and striking workbench top.

 

Poplar

I dont think everything has to be made from Bubinga or Claro Walnut.
Poplar is cheap and it works and stains well.

 

No.

- ArtMann

Don't listen to art. I've been here twice as long so it means I know twice as much. And I've posted like 10 times what he has. So it means I'm smart.

- TheFridge

Spoken with such confidence, it has to be true!

- Smitty_Cabinetshop

What's that saying….often wrong, never in doubt.

 

Exactly my good man!

The workbench too idea is intriguing I will not lie. Glued together like subway tile it would probably be pretty sturdy.

It won't be as good as alder but we must accept what we are amaright?

 

I know the local guild here gets short pieces and make toys to deliver to kids in the children's hospital at Christmastime. You could be a real life Santa. I personally save scraps over 12", unless i am making a cabinet or something that needs corner bracing or a quick jig for something.

 

Everyone thank you for all the suggestions!!! Now I have to decide where to start!!

I did not even think about the possibility of using it for a workbench! I am actually planning on making one when I get time and was planning on using red oak (I had 3 big oaks sawed up when I cut them down to build my shop so I have maybe probably 1200-1500 BF sitting in my in laws barn). I think I might use oak for the body and could use this nice thick poplar for the top!

 

If you already have the oak for the top I'd use it and out the poplar back in the corner.

 

Everyone thank you for all the suggestions!!! Now I have to decide where to start!!

I did not even think about the possibility of using it for a workbench! I am actually planning on making one when I get time and was planning on using red oak (I had 3 big oaks sawed up when I cut them down to build my shop so I have maybe probably 1200-1500 BF sitting in my in laws barn). I think I might use oak for the body and could use this nice thick poplar for the top!

- Mrowell

Depends on what you want for the top. Some people prefer a very hard top for durability. Others prefer a softer top soif a workpiece gets dropped, the bench dents instead of the project. If you are in the first camp, use the oak and find a different use for the poplar. If in the second camp, the poplar would be perfect.

 

Great advice JayT I will have to think on it before making a choice, fortunately I will have plenty of time to think before actually having time to build!

Oh the many choices!

 

I haven't read all the comments but it sure makes nice toys and the different colors can be used for different parts.
One thing I've found out with my use of it is that the poplar that is green doen't stay green but turns brown after 6 months or so.

 

Great point! With the holidays coming up it would be nice to make some toys or simple gifts to give out and perhaps donate

 

I find everyone loves a good poplar handled shank.

 

Ship it all to Fridge in a crate labeled "Alder". But send it COD so he has to pay before he opens it.
With the label you affix, he won't be able to resist paying, then opening to his great disappointment.
For even greater drama, cover the very top of the crate with a thin layer of actual alder so that's what he sees if he checks it.

 

I haven't been keeping up with this, post?
Do we have an alder wood lover and poplar hater in our mits?
How about adding a little oak and walnut on top then the rest poplar to get his heart racing. lol
Just my $.02

 

Haha that might make blood boil a little… however if anyone wants to ship me free usable lumber there are no objects ( be it poplar, alder or anything else haha)

 

I have a friend that owns and runs a cabinet shop but most of his cabinets are painted [yuk!!!] but I can get his scraps for free, with mostly poplar and alder some oak and maple.
I will say I do like working better with oak walnut and the big buck woods but if I was to have to buy it poplar would be a no brainier.

I used to love making mechanical dinosaur toys out of thick poplar, like you have.

 

I like poplar as a carving wood, though I prefer basswood for carvings with delicate details.