T Mack 1 - FSO wrote on 01/23/10 at 19:32:04:Go get a used pallet. Lots of places give the old ones away. They are usually made of oak.
After you get the shape done, get your fine chisels and put in a nice pattern on it (the Suzuki "S"??). Then varnish it up real nice and you will have something that will last a long time and be way more dent resistant then redwood.
OK, here's an update.. I made the basic item out of redwood, and tried to use long shank screws to hold it together, both turn out to be bad ideas. redwood is too soft(you are correct, oak will be better). I have mocked up another with pressure treated pine and holding it together with hex bolts and nuts. Still a problem getting to both ends to tighten.
Next attempt will be with either oak or mesquite (both pretty hard) and carridge bolts, so I only have to get to one end.
Also, I had started out with a 1" hole, since I have 1" bars, but I have changed to a 1 1/8" hole, and wrapping the bar with some rubber from a bicycle inner tube. Seems to get it to fit nicely. I'll keep you posted.