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Probably better overall than red where working with an edge is concerned. Red can be sanded, of course, but the white I've worked hasn't needed it after the plane or scrape. Shines back at ya.
Its 200 miles south to get to white oak from here, which is why I use mostly red.
Better to follow the leader than the pack. Less to step in.
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The workability of white oak is excellent. Very similar to red oak, really, but perhaps a bit less splintery. Finishing won't be too much different, but the pores will be a bit smoother because of the tyloses. I prefer white oak mostly for its superior quartersawn figure.
"If I had eight hours to cut down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my axe."
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A Riving Home
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White oak is heavier and harder than red but working it is about the same for me. The only thing I notice is that it likes to split just looking at it. I swear I've found cracks in pieces that had none when I milled them a couple of days earlier. But for anything Mission Style white oak is the classical choice. The only issue I find with finishing it is that it can blotch where the grain makes a hard change in direction, unlike red oak which is very dye and stain friendly. People often give it one or two coats of 1# cut shellac to minimize that problem, before applying dye or stain.
John
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I've never treated them differently except in where they will be used. Red is indoor only, White can easily go outdoors, and with just a few things, can stay out there a long time.
Worst thing they can do is cook ya and eat ya
GW
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I treat red and white oak the same. Red does have open pores but I o that adds to the chatacter. Some of the best looking 1/4 sawn oak I have seen was red oak but it's harder to get than qswo. Just as pricey though.
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my only exposure to white oak is through salvaged pallets, and it seems like really good stuff. I always like Red oak, but I guess everyone else got burned out on it back in the '70s. I'm glad people are quartersawing it nowadays, that makes a big difference