What type of wood to use for 1880 dry plate camera extension rail?

[jon koss]

Hello all - I have finally decided to fabricate an extension rail to replace the shabbily constructed mongrel rail on this circa 1880 dry plate beauty. Question: is this most likely cherry wood or something else such as walnut or mahogany? In the first picture you can see the original front rail that I am trying to match. I am including the shots of the body just for reference.

Thanks in advance,
Jon

 

[sepiareverb]

Looks like Mahogany to me.

 

[Bill Harrison]

wood

Looks like mahogany to me too. I will go a step further, and say, probably Cuban mahogany, which was still being used when this camera was built. It looks smooth grained and not ribbon grained, like honduran can be... I may have some that will match closely in my wood stash... (instrument maker) Let me know if you can't locate some in your area. Best, Bill

 

[John Jarosz]

I second the Cuban Mahogany. There is a guy in Ithaca NY who sells Cuban Mahogany from a plantation in Samoa or some other Pacific island. Cherry is also a good choice. I feel walnut is too heavy, dense, and difficult to work for camera parts.

John

 

[jon koss]

Thanks for the notes, guys. Bill, just double checking - you are speaking of the lower rail to which the hinge is fastened, correct?

Best,
Jon

Looks like mahogany to me too. I will go a step further, and say, probably Cuban mahogany, which was still being used when this camera was built. It looks smooth grained and not ribbon grained, like honduran can be... I may have some that will match closely in my wood stash... (instrument maker) Let me know if you can't locate some in your area. Best, Bill