Is Airstream ash white, black, brown, blue, or green? Yup, there's five names describing four species. I really doubt if Airstream ever knew the botanical name of the species supplied to them, and honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if they didn't know their elm or ash from third base. Someone published in a brochure that it was ash, so we all believe it to be. Could it be elm?? 'Spose so...
Identifying wood by its surface grain is tricky, ash, oak, elm and others can look alike. You need to look at the end grain too. The herringbones between the grain that may be common to elm, can be found in some ash samples. I would know if I were felling an ash or elm tree, but looking at a veneer surface, couldn't say. The experienced Canadian veneer cutter, and now others referred to, contend that Airstream used elm, perhaps they're right. Back in the Sixties, I wonder why someone would market elm veneer as ash?? What's the point in lying about it?? So,
jbobarino3 maybe you're looking for elm?? Either way, it's pretty wood.
I photographed a few veneers in my trailer to compare Mahogany, Cherry, Oak, and
1968 Airstream Ash/Elm?
I measured the
1968 aluminum extrusions...
The “F” channel that rivets to the inner shell wall to fasten bulkheads measures 0.227”, 5.77mm.
The textured “C”channel edging measures 0.180”, 4.57mm. An interference fit to plywood edge.
The plywood itself measures 0.185”, 4.7mm. So it's safe to call it 3/16” thick, interestingly, it has finished veneer on both sides.
The ash/oak cathedral grain comparison is from the internet.
TouringDan, Thanks, it's a never ending puzzle of space, balance, aesthetic, economy, function, scale, utility...
Mimiandrews, Your wood looks like mine. It's now another mystery, either Esh or Alm.
Cwbiii, The1968 TradeWind Double has to be the pinnacle of Airstream's entire history. Thanks for keeping one on the road, and so tastefully done. It's nice to see a rebuild/upgrade that respects the originality. You'll enjoy the free photons through your new pocket door.
"I consulted with her on many occasions to make sure my intentions were in sync with hers... (I would not have heard the last of it had I not ...(;-))"
Yup, Everything is submitted to "the boss" for her approval here too. One example, my six lite pocket door design was rejected, she specified fifteen, and chose the Japan imported plasticized Shoji paper. As the lites descend, they increase in size by the ratio of phi. Challenging to fabricate, but it's for the best, and Hey, who doesn't like woodworking??