North American or English ash for traveller

[moggyadventurer]

Hi,

Does anyone have any thoughts regarding the origin of the ash used for travellers.

I recently purchased my first traveller to go alongside my saloon, and need a new side.

I would be grateful of any thoughts or advice on which is best.

[bluemoggie1970]

Hi,

Nice one on getting a traveller! This link may help, suggests that originals used ENGLISH ash. So i suppose thats the best way to go. enjoy.....

http://www.travellertimbers.co.uk/faq.html

[polo2k]

Without sounding condescending, you do know that you can buy the woodwork in kit form or as complete sides and doors.
Im not sure if you were planning on cutting your own but I thought it was worth mentioning

[moggyadventurer]

No offence taken.

I need five new sections, so will do the total side if its all got to come off.

The reason I mentioned this, is some years ago I worked for a certain well known moggy restorer in bath then, and we stopped using north american ash as we couldn't guarantee the eight years from new warranty. Whilst it is more flexible than british ash to work with, I was wondering whether this is still the case -i.e not lasting.

[polo2k]

My parents used to have a copy of this book:
http://www.amazon.com/What-Wood-That-Ma ... 044&sr=8-1
I remember it used to have a pull out section in the centre pages with a selection of about 40 or 50 veneers that were intended to show the colours and grain but equally would show the flexibility (and longevity as the book is probably out of print now lol)

[daveallgood]

Why would the properties of North American ash have changed since you worked with it? If you look on John Boddy's web site (large and respected timber supplier) you will find a list of species with their properties. They are also very helpful if you phone them to pick their brains. What you're asking, in terms of longevity, has no definitive answer; it depends, probably more than anything else, on what conditions the timber is subjected to and how it is maintained. Also of course the quality of workmanship. Presuming the existing framework on your car is English ash, I would be inclined to go for the same, if only for a better chance of colour and grain match.
Are you planning to make it yourself? If not, one well known company uses English and the other American ash.

[moggyadventurer]

Hi,

Thanks for the comments.

There had always been huge variation between ash qualities in North America when compared to the UK - dependent upon the origin and climate were the ash was grown (phenomenal difference in strength). Most Uk retailers I have spoken to only tend to say if its UK or North American.

I have decided to go the Uk ash route - keep it original

Can anyone recommend a UK retailer they have purchased wood from or will this break forum rules?