I’m thinking about making a couple of toy chests for my sister-in-law. I have a big supply of sassafras. Does anyone have any experience with it?? I know it’s usually a secondary wood – but looks markedly similar to oak. I plan to finish them naturally so the grain will be seen. Any thoughts???
MikeMD
Replies
Mike--A couple of our ww club members built some items a couple of years ago with this material. There is near us a lumber dealer who stocked and dried many different types of woods from this area. This material was one which was bought quite often.
The clear, natural finish I saw on the items shown to our club were beautiful in my eyes. It should work well for you. Good luck.
Billy B.
The grain is very similar to oak, and I believe it's historically been used as a viable substitute for oak. It smells great when you cut it. It's nice, attractive, workable wood IMO.
My mobile tool box is made from sassafras. I chose sassafras for this chest since it is lightweight yet strong, and very attractive. Also quite reasonable in price!
The wood is light, easy to work though it can be slightly brittle (keep your chisels sharp and splinters won't be a problem). The wood has a pleasant camphor smell to it, especially when cut. The appearance is similar to chesnut, and is often substituted for it.
It takes an oil finish very well, and you can top coat it with shellac. You could tint the shellac to adjust the final color if desired. I left mine natural (see pic).
An excellent choice. If you have a really big supply, send it to me for safekeeping.
Pondfish,
I like your tool box, and it is nice to see I'm not the only one who keeps a supply of Band-Aids on hand.
Rob Millard
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled