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best wood for outdoor projects

2K views 24 replies 17 participants last post by  Tony1212 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I got tired of my ashtrays being blown around by the wind so I decided to make wooden "weights" for them. I'm thinking of using 5" X 5" pieces of either 8/4 or 12/4. The question is: what is the best wood for something which will live outdoors 24/7/365? I've heard white oak is good for outdoors. Is there a better choice? Will Spar Urethane be acceptable as a finish? FYI I will be epoxying the ashtrays to the bases.
 
#2 ·
LOL Good Luck!

We get 40-70MPH straight line winds during every monsoon season. Ashtray on 5×5 wood block will sail away even faster than lower profile tray alone. Skip wood and use something really dense.

Maybe buy a 1/4 thick 8×8 steel plate and finish with a nice artist grade patina from Sculpt Nouveau products.

Cheaper route would be to use concrete or a decorative brick. Being cheap I once used JB Weld slow cure epoxy and bonded couple of cigar ash trays to a 8×8 octagonal patio brick for my patio. They only lift up and fly around back yard when it blows over 80MPH every couple of years.
YMMV
 
#17 ·
Make a cup holder that can attach it to a table or arm rest with a spring clamp or small c-clamp

Now I feel dirty helping a smoker slowly kill themself.
 
#18 ·
Quit smoking is best solution

- Aj2

I quit in 1987. I can t convince my wife to do the same.

- dbw
I know how you feel . I quit in 91 but have been to a few funerals of friends that died from lung cancer.
I belong to a 12 step program so I get to see a lot more then the average person.
Never will I ever build a Humidor for someone to help kill them self. Unless it's joe Brandon
Good Luck
 
#24 ·
#25 ·
How about a half sphere ashtray with the flat as bottom?

Circle Electric blue Dishware Serveware Font


- NedalNooh
I like this. Very aerodynamic. But probably difficult to move around. The OP doesn't say how mobile it has to be.

For something small like this, I'd almost ditch the idea of wood and go with epoxy. You can make it any color and shape you like and easily add lead shot for increased weight. It will last outside much longer than wood and not change color (unless you keep it clear - then it will probably yellow over time).
 

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