: Any comments on using 1 X 3/4 inch Northern White Cedar for sheer
: clamps? Is this a good way to save weight or am I being foolish?
: What about popular or birch are they not light weight?

Poplar or "pop'l" is pretty popular with me cause my woods are full of mature trees, but I woodn't;) use it anywhere near water unless it was fully encapsulated with glass and epoxy. Birch isn't known for its rot resistance either and is heavy. My only concern with Atlantic white cedar would be its ability to hold fasteners. If you just need a faying surface for glue bonding the cedar should do. I usually use spruce or ash for wales and clamps. Hemlock fir or pine are also suitable.