I am interested in the domestic availability and working properties of Japanese Cedar (also Sugi Pine, also Cryptomeria Japonica). It’s scent brings to mind much of the furniture in my grandparents’ house (cannery workers on Kauai), which may explain why it appeals so greatly to me. Can anyone shed light on how best to work this wood, particularly any uses for which it is decidedly unsuited?
I purchased a board while visiting my family in Hawaii, but have not found a mainland source. I would be much obliged if someone could point me in the right direction…
Thanks,
Erik
Replies
Erik, Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese "cedar") is actually a member of the more ancient redwood / bald-cypress / Sequoia family (Taxodiaceae.) It's used as a landscape cultivar, especially on the West Coast, so you might be able to find small amounts of it by contacting tree trimmers...But there's no domestic commercial supply of this wood that I'm aware of.
Also, it's so highly regarded within its native range (Japan and I think originally as far south as Taiwan?) that Oriental cabinet makers pretty much suck up the entire harvest...which is mighty meager to begin with. I can understand your desire to get some. It most resembles Sequoia, but it's more lustrous, denser and not as brittle. Very nice stuff and it has excellent working properties.
Jon,
Thank you very much for your response -- I read your article on the cedars, and this added bit of information helped significantly. I enjoy working with the aromatic woods for selfish reasons -- they make the shop smell terrific!
Erik
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