I'm diving into woodworking and trying to build my own coin cabinet for storage. I've heard that mahogany is considered the best wood for this purpose, while maple is a decent option too. However, I read that oak and cedar should be avoided due to outgassing issues. I'm curious if using bamboo or paulownia would be suitable as well, and I'm also wondering about walnut as an alternative. If anyone has experience with conservation woodworking or insights about these types of wood, your advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
Mahogany and maple are actually solid choices for a coin cabinet! You can usually find mahogany boards already smooth and ready to go at home improvement stores, which really helps if you’re new to woodworking. You don’t need anything too heavy for storing coins, so go with what feels right for you. Good luck with your project!
You've got a good idea by sticking to mahogany and maple. Cedar is softer and has a strong smell, so not the best for indoor use. I haven’t worked with bamboo or paulownia, but they might not give you the durability you need. I've heard that oak, particularly because of its tannin content, could negatively affect metals, so definitely be cautious with that.
I’ve read the outgassing can be problematic with oak and cedar. Mahogany is definitely the classic choice, but I'm feeling a bit adventurous! Thanks for your thoughts!
Great question! Tannin in oak can react with metals, which is something to look out for in your coin storage. Maple and mahogany are seen in the cartridge collecting community for similar projects. Some folks even add ventilation to keep the air flowing in the cabinet, which helps protect your coins. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, walnut could be a good way to go since it's cheaper than mahogany. Just make sure to balance aesthetics and your coin types!
Thanks! I did think about the tannin. Walnut seems like a solid option for me since I'm expecting some trial and error while learning!
Thank you for the input!