I have a local Sawyer with lots of ash and little else. Given that I have to force him to let me help around the yard for the wood he’d otherwise give me for free, I certainly have nothing to complain about. And since discretionary income is at an all time low for me I’m thinking Ash might be a good thing…
I’d prefer to make Arts and Craft stuff with Oak, but can I make a close substitute with Ash since it has a similar tight grain. Can I get a similar finish (I know it’s not quarter sawn Oak so it won’t be the ‘same’) to the traditional dark fumed look?
Also I’m thinking of a new top for my workshop bench – it’s presently a hollow core door (It’s OK to laugh, did I mention moneys tight?). I’m assuming that Ash would make as good a top (remember the cost) as the more typical Maple?
Any input is appreciated…
THanks,
Replies
I absolutely love ash. Beyond that admitted bias, however, is the additional factoid that numerous, numerous people mistake ash furniture for oak. I learned the difference years ago, and have since been amazed at how few people can correctly identify ash. I've attended literally hundreds of auctions over the years, and rarely, rarely was ash correctly identified by either auctioneers or by bidders.
My understanding is that ash came into fashion as a substitute for oak when the oak lumber had been severely depleted. IMO, it's a fine substitute. I have yet to work any, but have done a few repairs on ash furniture. Heavy stuff!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
I am with FG on the ash. I used to use it extensively. As I peck this out, I am at my office desk, built of ash in 1979.
As for a bench, ash should be fine. It is less chippy than oak, and nearly as strong. I have found it to be stable. I far prefer to work ash as opposed to oak. I find the smell pleasing when it is machined. You should have no problem. Further, I see ash dried at 12/4 and 16/4 far more often than oak, but perhaps this is just me.
JP,
Ash is a great substitute. To FG's point, you have to look closely at the grain to really tell the difference. I have done everything from Kitchen cabinets to dry sinks in this material, and am currently working on a TV stand. One aspect of ash is you can really get some wild looking grain which is outstanding.
For a workbench, my only concern is you will get more splinters than from a tight grained wood such as Maple or Birch, but since the price is right, I wouldn't hesitate.
I recall somebody once saying Ash is the most sporting of wood as it was / is used for baseball bats, hockey sticks (before Easton came along with their $ 200+ composites) etc.
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