Have you used this kind of wood before?

[dale]

Has anyone ever used Sassafras wood for a project? I have some and thought it would be different but if it wont work I would like to know before I waste any time.

Thanks
dale

[Jediscroller]

Dale,
I haven't used the wood before but not for lack of trying. I just can't find it around here. I've seen projects cut from it that were gorgeous.

[BobD]

Dale,
I haven't tried it yet, but I've seen some projects cut from it. It's not as hard as cherry, but it does hold detail well. It also smells wonderful; Root beer is traditionally made from the roots of the sassafras tree.

Hmn...I see a wood review here...

Bob

[gmackay]

Bob,

I think this is a good wood to do a wood review on. This is one of the woods that I used in my new book "Box-Making Projects for the Scroll Saw" that will be coming out this month. I made several boxes from this wood and it's in the Wood Comparison Chart in the book.

It's a wood thats commonly available at hardwood dealers in NC and PA. I know that Groff & Groff in Pa carries it as I am looking at their catalog.

This wood has a unique smell, nice grain, and resembles Ash in workability and looks.

GaryM

[Bill Wilson]

I like sassafrass a lot. I used it for a scrollsaw project a couple years ago and ornaments last year.

Matter of fact I have some in my shop right now. I've been working on some shelves for my SIL and used sassafrass because my lumber supplier had several beautiful wide boards and the price was about the same as the red oak I had originally intended to use. The grain pattern is similar to red oak, but the color is more of a gray. It's also about 1/2 to 1/3 the weight of RO.

It cuts well and I just love the smell. When I was planing these boards down, the aroma filled the shop for a couple days. Great wood!

[dale]

Thanks.. a fellow from my church offered me a piece.. He thought I would probably carve it but thought that it may be good to scroll saw something but wasnt real sure.
you all have helped me thanks again
dale+