Name Common Alder (alnus glutinosa)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Includes black alder, gray alder, and red alder.
Sources Grows in northern hemisphere - Europe, Russia, western Asia, and Japan. Red alder grows on Pacific coast of United States and Canada.
Appearance Straight grained, fine textured, orange brown sapwood and heartwood with no outstanding figure.
Physical Props Moderately heavy and soft with low bending strength, shock resistance, stiffness, and decay resistance.
Working Props Nails, screws, glues, and works well. Stains and polishes satisfactorily and sometimes stained to match other cabinet woods. Carves and turns quite well.
Uses Used for broom and brush handles, textile rollers, toys, clogs, artificial limbs, cabinet work, plywood cores, and veneer.

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Name Red Alder (Alnus rubra)
Type Hardwood.
Other Names Also known as Oregon alder, western alder.
Sources Grows along the Pacific coast of United States.
Appearance Straight grained and even textured. Pale yellow to reddish brown with indistinct boundary between heartwood and softwood.
Physical Props Soft, light, not particularly strong, with good elasticity, good steam bending, medium stiffness, low shock resistance, low decay resistance, and good stability in service.
Working Props Works easily with hand or machine tools. Turns and carves extremely well. Marginal nail and screw holding properties. Glues, sands, stains and finishes easily.
Uses Commonly used for panel core stock (one of the easiest commercial timbers to peel). Also used for interior furniture, sash, doors, millwork, and carving.

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