Replies

1. 
   IMERC | Jun 07, 2004 06:45am | #1

   Ash is divided into two groups -- white and black. The color is darker (browner) in black ash than in white ashes. Black ash wood is 10 percent lighter in weight, meaning it is weaker, more limber, etc.

   Black ash is a commercially sold wood and even though it is not as good as the white ashes, it is excellent for cabinets, furniture, etc.
   Black ash is also a preferred wood for making splints for baskets. It separates easily on the annual growth rings.
   Black ash has also been a demanded item in Japan, Tiawan and Korea for slicing veneer. It is very close to Japanese tamo. The majority and best quality comes from the upper midwest.

   Every knot in a board means it will have a bend right at the knot, making a problem to fit together. It's worth the effort.

   So I guess not.............

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....

                                                                      WOW!!!   What a Ride!
   

2. 
   IMERC | Jun 07, 2004 09:04am | #2

   Black Ash

   Young black ash has bark that resembles cork. The wood of this average-height tree is very unusual: when struck repeatedly, it splits into thin sheets along the growth rings. With the strips thus obtained, American Indians made all sorts of baskets and our ancestors wove chair seats. Black ash grows almost exclusively in low-lying areas that are very wet and marshy. This species does not adapt well to dry soil. It is often found with red and silver maple, white elm, eastern white cedar and balsam fir. Some pure stands also exist. Relatively heavy and hard, its wood has a coarse grain and is not very strong. Its colouring ranges from almost pure white to very dark grayish brown. It is used in cabinetmaking and for interior wood trim, boxes, crates and pallets.

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   Leaf	Fruit
   View Image Leaves, in opposite pairs consisting of 7 to 11 toothed leaflets.	View Image Fruits, keys.

   Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming....

                                                                      WOW!!!   What a Ride!
   

3. 
   hammer1 | Jun 08, 2004 04:40am | #3

   Ash is a good choice for outdoors. Many boat and canoe parts are made of it. I would avoid direct contact with the ground. It does not paint well due to the open grain but clears and stains work great. It is a better choice than oak since it does not turn black with exposure. The grain will lift and separate in time if not coated for protection.