Deodar Cedar,

[Ray Ewing]

Has anyone turned this wood?
If you have had experience with this wood, what did you think of it? Also what finish do you suggest?
I'm thinking of making a larger bowl or platter approximately 18-20". Thanks in advance.
Ray

 

[Isaac Fisher]

Never turned it, but used it in furniture. Very soft wood, but smells great, especially in an enclosed space like a drawer. A minimal finish like wax or very thin coating of shellac will preserve the ability to smell the wood. Beware the dust-many people who use it find they have allergies.

 

[Frank English]

Was given a couple of small limbs off a Deodar Cedar tree. Only big enough for some pen blanks. Turned this piece into a seam ripper as it had some nice color and neat looking knot. A Monkey Puzzle Tree is the only other wood with knots that I have turned without the knot shattering. Odd sanding results as the 120g-600g sandpaper clogged quite a bit. pic 3 shows the 120g.