ID-ing this wood and suggestions for project tweaks

[bradleyheathhays]

I'd like to give this project I saw on the tubes a whirl and need some direction because there weren't any instructions included. First he makes the cuts in the second picture, then turns it 90 deg and does the same.

1) Any idea on what wood species this is?

2) Any suggestion for what other species would be good for a project like this?

3) Advice for what kind of board to look out for, grain pattern etc? or to avoid?

4) If you wonder like I did, the distance between the saw cuts varies on the piece as measured on the screen, but they seem to be about .32" apart, a shade over 5/16".

 

[showcaser]

Looks like Beech to me

 

[rholiday]

Check out this YouTube video for one version.
Search YouTube for -- Unique Home Decor By Bending Wood At Home!
Posted on YouTube by -- Well Done Tips

 

[jttheclockman]

I would also guess beech wood. You want wood that has close grain and no knots. That is an old technique and the kerfs are all the same. If you see he has a fence with a stop much like you would use for making box joints. After all cuts are made you need to wet the wood and place in a mold so that when dried it takes on the shape and bend you are after. The more kerf cuts closer together the larger the bend you can make. Those are called relief cuts because you are not cutting all the way through. There are videos on the net with projects like that. They make all kinds of "S" type sculptures. You can do many things just by cutting one side instead of alternating top and bottom. They do that for fancy corners on frames. Nice wood technique and artform. Do a Pintress search and see many examples of wooden kerf bending and you will find articles on it also. Good luck and show us what you come up with.