question on HF lathe modification

[DaveinFloweryBranchGA]

I'm enclosing the legs of my HF 34706 to create a small cabinet where I can add some sandbags and to strengthen and stabilize the legs. So far, everything has worked beautifully and I'm about done. I want to add a board between the leg assembly and the lathe bed, in order to prevent sawdust from falling down inside the newly made cabinet area.

My question is, is pine too soft a wood for doing this? Do I need to use a hardwood? I'm mostly wondering if the pine will compress in some way or case problems later. I don't do a lot of wooworking with pine, so I'm not familiar with how it might react in a situation like this.

I have a nice chunk of pine that would be ideal if it will work, but I can also come up with some walnut I have on hand. However, I would rather save the walnut for another project I have in mind.

Thanks,

Dave

[maxparot]

I did a similar enclosing of the legs using furring strips and hardboard. with a plywood shelf to hold some tools.

[John Hunter]

I would use the pine.