As an addition to my current business I will be producing a new design of a wooden laundry drying rack. Estimated at 1000 per year to begin with. I will outsource the component fabrication and just assemble and package here - and market, the toughest job.
I need suggestions on the species of wood to use.
We HOPE to use a raw unfinished hard wood. Here are the parameters the wood must meet (in it's raw but sanded condition):
1) must not bleed color onto damp fabric hung on the rack.
2) must easily sand smooth enough to not snag on silky undies or pantyhose, and not become rough from being dampened.
3) must not warp excessively as it absorbs and releases moisture from the damp fabrics
4) needs to be a fairly stiff and strong wood
5) needs to be a wood that is commercially converted into long dowels. This is tougher than it sounds as the dowel manufacturers all seem to cover the same half dozen or so species. But some will do other woods if the stock is readily available.
I have done some research and have a few species possibilities. But I would like to hear your unbiased thoughts first. I'll share what I found and the end of the thread.
Thank You!