Working with Sasafrass

[DaveO]

Have any of y'all worked with it?? I just got some today 'cause it was a pretty board. I am looking forward to the smell in my shop after milling it. I would love to see it finished. It reminds me of Oak and it's cathedral grain patterns, but it is definitely a warmer brown color. Any experience with it??????

Dave

 

[Dullblade]

I never worked with the wood but if you dig up the root and dry it then boil it it makes a wicked drink. I do like the look of the wood so let me know how it works for you.

 

[D L Ames]

I never worked with the wood but if you dig up the root and dry it then boil it it makes a wicked drink. I do like the look of the wood so let me know how it works for you.

Sassafras tea..........BTDT.:lol:

Dave, I look forward to seeing what you make from it.

D L

 

[kota62]

Dave:
I had a tree in my front yard that died 2 years ago, I cut it down then had it milled prior to my "Vacation" to Afghanistan this past summer, it was dry within 6 months :-o
But anyway, if you look at my photo gallery (house) you'll see 2 of the mirrors were made of Sassafrass, the one had some decay going on and when i stained it the look as you will see is incredible....
It is so light and very easy to work with, also i would plane some just to enjoy the smell in the shop
Have fun
Gary

 

[DaveO]

Gary, those are beautiful mirrors. I have dug up the Sasafrass roots to make tea, and it's a good thing. I am looking forward to perfuming my shop today as I mill it. Last week was Cedar, and that is awesome smelling too, sure beats Red Oak.
Dave

 

[D L Ames]

Dave:
I had a tree in my front yard that died 2 years ago, I cut it down then had it milled prior to my "Vacation" to Afghanistan this past summer, Gary

Gary, which resort did you spend your "vacation" at, BAF or KAF?:lol:

D L

 

[Splinter]

Dave, I made this table at a Woodcraft class in VA when I lived there. It is all Sasfrass except the legs which are walnut. The only finish on it is Watco Natural Finish. It was lighter when I made it in 2001 but has aged to a nice mellow color. Beautiful wood and I don't remember any problems working with the wood.

Where did you get your sasafrass?

 

[kota62]

Hey DL...
Spent my time at BAF, that will be my last "vacation" since i'm getting out within a year
Gary

 

[DaveO]

Dolan, the Sasafrass came from the local Klingspor. That is a beautiful table. I really like how well the Sasafrass milled up this afternoon and the smell is wonderful. I still need inspiration as to what to make with it.

Dave

 

[rolly1]

Be sure to wear a mask. Sasafrass is known to cause cancer.

 

[DaveO]

Be sure to wear a mask. Sasafrass is known to cause cancer.

Are you serious??? I will have to add that to the ever growing list of cancers that I may get.

Dave

 

[rolly1]

here is a URL with wood toxicty chart
http://www.gvwg.ca/docs/Articles/WoodToxicity.htm

 

[DaveO]

Well, that is some interesting information. Lucky the risk is very low:-D I have worked with Cocobolo several time and not had a problem. That is one of the woods everybody memtions the toxicity of. I must not be a very sensitive person. I do use decent dust collection but will consider a additional dust mask in the future. Thanks for the info.

Dave

 

[McRabbet]

here is a URL with wood toxicty chart
http://www.gvwg.ca/docs/Articles/WoodToxicity.htm

Alan - I just included this important link in our Link Library entitled "Wood/Dust Toxicity Article". Kudos to you for finding it.

Rob

 

[DaveO]

Great idea Rob, that is information that could be very helpful to folks:icon_thum
Dave