Tansu/Paulownia Substitute?

[Eric DeSilva]

My dad asked me to post a question here... While he's a long time woodworker, he not much of a forum visitor. Anyway, he has been itching for a long time to build a Japanese tansu--he meticulously measured one he saw in a Japanese museum (using fractions of a business card). The traditional material for tansu building is paulownia. From what I can tell, paulownia is a very fast growing, strong but lightweight wood. Only, neither he nor I can find any in the DC/MD area. Anyone have any idea of what a good (and more readily available) substitute species would be? I've heard of people using paulownia as a substitute for western red cedar, but I'm not sure that translates into going the other way.

[Mike Cutler]

Eric

Sitka Spruce would be a good substitute, but it may be harder to source than Pualownia.

The Woodfinder link on the WoodCentral webpage lists a supplier in Hurlock MD.

Chesapeake Woodworkers Sales
7017 ENM Ellwood Rd
Hurlock MD 21643

1-410-820-8525
1-800-287-4012.

Wood < 60" in length can be shipped FedEx and UPS at no additional charge for oversize. Buying online may be an option also.