Replies

1. 
   jonsherryl | Jan 27, 2003 05:42am | #1

   Mel...if that isn't enough to make you sick. You oughta sneek over there tonight while he's sobering up from the Super Bowl and file the teeth off his chainsaw.

   As for the value of sassafras firewood, I think your assessment is about right. I've only burned shop scraps of this species and it was noteworthy only in that it wasn't as fragrant as I had anticipated it would be. They were very dry scraps and burned quickly, but I didn't notice any strong scent (unfortunately.)

   The bark of sassafras does contain an oil that is believed to be a potential carcinogen when ingested (...and when that news came out a decade or so ago, it sure blew the bottom out of the sassafras tea market)...But anyway, when burned in a fire place, I doubt if the fumes would be a serious risk.  This is not always the case though. There have been instances of people experiencing serious reactions to the fumes from burning poison ivy on a bonfire. In any event, sassafras and poison ivy are not closely related.

   I guess maybe I'd take another look at that firewood. If your overly energetic buddy didn't also split it up for you, it might yield some good turning blanks. For a ring-porous wood, sassafras turns pretty well.  

1. 
   dpearce | Jan 27, 2003 07:36am | #3

   Jon, I recently was given about 200 bf of 8/4 sassafras boards about 10 - 12 inches wide and 6 - 12 feet long by a friend of mine who owns a lumber business.  I have no experience with this wood, and have no idea of its value or best use.  Any ideas would be appreciated. (He also gave me about 200 bf of 8/4 very old growth cherry in the same dimensions.  I DO know what to do with that!) Thanks, [email protected]

1. 
   jonsherryl | Jan 27, 2003 06:03pm | #7

   Sassafras is a great choice for all sorts of light duty projects. It has excellent decay resistance and is exceptionally buoyant, so it's traditionally been used in boat building and for making fish net floats. As for cabinet making, it's probably the best counterfeit for chestnut these days for repairing antiques or making reproductions.

   I use it for making clock cases and for dulcimer sound boards, because it is an exceptionally stable wood with good tonal qualities. It's a joy to work with, given its low density and mild spicey scent. Also, it has an attractive natural luster and develops a beautiful amber-gold patina over time.

   The only serious negative is that it is extremely brittle. This is probably one of the reasons it's such a good tone wood, but it does tend to split easily and requires carefully fitted pilot holes when installing fasteners.  

   Edited 1/27/2003 9:45:41 PM ET by Jon Arno

1. 
   dpearce | Jan 28, 2003 02:14am | #11

   thanks so much for the useful info. Have a great day. dpearce

2. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Jan 28, 2003 01:52am | #10

   One of the common names for sassafras is American camphor wood  no doubt from its odor.  JA could probably relate if it is related to Indian camphor!

   I love the stuff  --  I use it for the boxes I make for wedding presents (or have done so in the past when I had a good source for it).  It machines well and carves nicely.  The dimensional stability numbers are good and it has excellent decay resistance.

   If Jon thinks it was a decade or so ago that safrole was banned by the FDA, it must truly indicative his age (and maybe his approaching senility [tease, tease]) 'cuz that ruling came down in 1960.  Further, in 1976, sassafras bark was banned for herbal teas (if it contained safrole).  File', as in file' gumbo is made from dried sassafras leaves (which contain no safrole).

1. 
   dpearce | Jan 28, 2003 02:16am | #12

   Thanks for the reply.  I'm sure I'll figure out what to do with it one day. dpearce

2. 
   jonsherryl | Jan 28, 2003 04:12am | #13

   Stanley, yes, sassafras is related to the Asian camphorwood. They belong to separate genera, but they are both members of the laurel family; Lauraceae. This family is known for its fragrant extractives. The spice; bay (as in bay leaf, used to flavor and thicken stews) is also a member of the laurel family. So are cinnamon and avocado.

   ...And what do you mean "getting" senile? I've been here so long I can't even remember whether I fell in, or walked in voluntarily...Are you sure 1960 was more than a decade or so ago?...Seems like yesterday.

   Edited 1/27/2003 9:46:57 PM ET by Jon Arno

1. 
   StanleyNiemiec | Jan 28, 2003 05:08am | #14

   Jon:

   I fully understand.  I certainly have been questioning the sanity of your sometimes Neolithic or just plain crazy ideas and writings regarding economics and politics for a very long time now.  However, when it comes to wood issues, the "circuits" are still working just fine.

2. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 27, 2003 06:21am | #2

   Mel -

   I have some sassafras drying now.  It looses a lot of moisture and is very prone to end-checking.  I sealed the ends of mine with some old Dap caulk in a caulking gun.  Also, borer's love it.

   The flat of the wood looks a little like Ash, but the density is considerably less.  I have seen pie cabinets made of it.  Makes nice looking bread boxes with tambour lids.  The heartwood can be dark brown colored.

   Anything made of it will become a nice conversation piece!

   FYI - Sassafras tea was used by the old timers as an early day type of Ex-Lax.  Made by pounding up the roots and boiling in water.  A couple of cups full will get you trottin!!

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

1. 
   mrles | Jan 27, 2003 09:13am | #4

   Mike

   Could you please clarify what you consider an oldtimer. :>|

   les

1. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 27, 2003 09:46pm | #8

   Anybody older dan me!  :)

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

1. 
   mrles | Jan 27, 2003 11:57pm | #9

   O    :>|

   les

3. 
   ian | Jan 27, 2003 12:16pm | #5

   I don't know what work you normally produce, but 18in planks would be long enough for drawer fronts or jewelery boxes or, in larger cross sections, turning projects.   It doesn't have to become firewoood

4. 
   DJK | Jan 27, 2003 04:30pm | #6

   I agree with Ian on the use. A few years ago I picked up over 400' of Sasafrass at auction. Used some for the drawer boxes in my kitchen. Very light weight, stable and strong enough for drawers.

   Dave Koury