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Comment by Alan Garrett on June 30, 2015 at 5:37pm

Thanks for the 411.  I am working on a dulcimer out of that stack of wood.

Comment by TN Twang on June 30, 2015 at 2:08am

I've had some pretty good success using junk wood from a construction site.

Watch out for splitting. Sometimes you'll be disappointed when you cut into an old 2x4 because the damage is hidden inside. Ether throw it away or learn to love it as a "feature."

After shaping and rough sanding junk wood pieces, I give 'em a wash of 50% store-bought shellac and 50% denatured alcohol. This hardens up the wood (especially the end grain) and makes the final sanding produce a smooth, hard feel. Then I typically use Minwax Antique Oil Finish, but you can use any final finish you like--or none at all. (Tru-oil from your local gun store is also a great final finish.)