Replies

1. 
   UnclePaul | Nov 26, 2005 04:31pm | #1

   In a limited role, I guess it would be OK in furniture/cabinets. The wood is quite aromatic even after it's cut. Not really a pleasant aroma like other cedars. It is also very soft so select its use carefully. In the US it's used mostly as an exterior siding and trim material. My exposure to its sawdust leaves me with watery eyes and sneezing fits. A dust mask is recommended.

   -Paul 

2. 
   forestgirl | Nov 26, 2005 08:59pm | #2

   Cedar is pretty high on the list of allergenic woods.  You just need to use excellent respiratory protection and (my suggestion) long sleeves so you don't develop a contact-allergy type of response to it.  I live in the Northwest of the USA where WRC is native, and I love the wood but have discovered I am allergic to it.  The asthma problem comes in when you don't pay attention to the fact that you're allergic to it and just keep bathing your skin and mucous membranes with the dust.  Your body says "Pay attention, dahmkit!" and off you go to the hospital.  Someone who has a history of asthma probably should stay away from working with WRC.

   WRC is not "aromatic" in the same way that the cedar used to line hope chests and such is, but there's no mistaking it as cedar.  It is very soft, as mentioned above, and it's not very strong.  It's used here mostly for building outdoor furniture (Adirondak chairs, gliders, and such), as it's decay resistant and weathers nicely (if you like that grey look).  Or you can put a deck-oil type finish on it and renew that periodically.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

   
   

   ---

   Edited 11/26/2005 1:03 pm by forestgirl

3. 
   BarryO | Nov 27, 2005 10:30am | #3

   Like forestgirl said, WRC is readily available in this part of the world (including even beautiful clear, tight grain, all-heart old-growth lumber from B.C., Canada).  I have one with about a 5 foot diameter trunk on my property.  But I've never seen it used for interior furniture or cabinetry.  Yes it is soft and not particulary strong.  It is used where its decay resistant is valuable.  It is considered the best exterior siding material in these parts.   Clear lumber is also used for exterior decking,  railings and trim. Lessor-grade material is used for exterior, patio-type furniture.

4. 
   DennisS | Dec 01, 2005 07:50am | #4

   As others have pointed out, Western Red Cedar (WRC) is quite soft and I wouldn't put in on a scale of cabinet grade woods to build furniture or, cabinets. I really doubt that even a good hard finish would provide much protection from dings and dents. None the less, as an infil panel, perhaps it would make a nice accent but nothing where it would have to resist much abuse.

   I've used nice clear tight grain old growth cedar T&G as a wall treatement on an interior wall where it adds a bit of charm to a space. It's also nice as an accent above a work area where you can use push pins or thumbtacks to post notes and whatnot. The 'figure' if you will of the grain tends to disguise, to a point all those little pinholes.

   Even though I live here in the Northwest of the US along with ForestGirl, I'm somewhat dubious about this claim the cedar heartwood is so resistant to decay. Perhaps where it's allowed to dry between wet cycles it holds up OK. But I've used it for fence posts and seen it rot in less time than I would have wanted the fence to last! (grin). Heartwood is supposed to be the more decay resistant but to that I would pose the question: Why are all the 4 - 5' diameter stumps on my property rotten through to the ground just in the middle while the outter what was more sapwood than heartwood still there after probably 50+ years?

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 01, 2005 08:26pm | #5

   "Even though I live here in the Northwest of the US along with ForestGirl...." and, sad to say, several million others many of whom don't appreciate what they have up here!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   BCPA | Dec 01, 2005 11:56pm | #6

   Many thanks for your reply from John in Brisbane Australia

1. 
   dondownunder | Dec 28, 2005 12:31am | #7

   John

   I've used WRC for cabinet doors in a kitchen, entrance doors & for interior wall lining. It is also extensively used around here for joinery. However I'm not too impressed by the fact that it needs to be wrapped in cotton wool to prevent dings but it does finish well. Not bad to machine either. It is also used to clad homes but is listed as Class 3 (moderately durable), along with Rose & Sydney Blue Gum, therefore not for in ground use.

   Don 

1. 
   BCPA | Dec 28, 2005 01:51am | #8

   Thanks for the info Don. I'm interested because I have access to some very favourably priced WRC up here in Brisbane. Since I havn';t had much experience with this timber I thought I'd ask around. Usually I make furniture for the house and for my family. My latest effort is on the U.Beaut Woodwork forum here in Australia - A morris chair I made from the Australian Woodsmith Magazine. I find the magazine a great help with their very detailed design plans. I like Fine Woodworking but I 'm not so impressed with their plan details.
   I did just use some WRC on a cabinet with curved doors which was quite a challange for me. NE. Victoria? Around Mt. Beauty perhaps?
   Most of my furniture is made from Tasmanian Oak which quite recently has been cheapsest at Bunnings - can't say that for the rest of their stock.I used to go to a local timber yard for it, where I have a trade discount, but Bunnings without any discount is still cheaper.
   Thanks again. [email protected]