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I have cedar

C

Charles Allen

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Dec 20, 2005
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As a novice woodturner who looks for free wood anywhere I can get it, I was happy when a friend offered me a cedar tree he was cutting down. I didn't know if cedar was a good wood for turning or not, I was just happy to get wood. And, BOY, do I have cedar - LOTS of cedar. Now I need to know two things: 1) Is cedar a good wood for turning, and if so - WHAT? and 2) Does anyone want some cedar? Email me and I can tell you how much I have and where I live if you want to come get it.
 
Cedar

Yup, aromatic (red heartwood) Cedar is great for turning. It takes a good finish too. BUT, the dust is very bad for your lungs!! As good as Cedar smells, do not breathe the dust! Sharp tools are helpful to minimize tearout.
Where do you live, I am in far South Georgia.
 
Cedar is a beautiful wood. One problem with cedar is that some finishes dont seem to want to dry. Days after a finish is applied it is still tacky. I have learned to apply several very light coats to cedar. This way the finish dries much better. I live in South East New Mexico, which is about as far from anywhere as a person can get.
 
It so happens that I just rough turned a good sized chunk of "somewhat dry" aromatic cedar yesterday. Turns like warm butter. The smell is nice for one minute, okay for five more, then it's, Man does this stuff stink! Think I'll wait til I can open up the doors and windows this summer before I revisit this stuff.

Anyway, I looked at it this afternoon and it's developed a skim coat of something white and filmy. Any thoughts what that might be?
 
If aromatic cedar is not totally dry it tends to develop a fine white almost crystal-like coating. I have always figured it was the sap/moisture coming out and whatever it is that makes it smell so strong must also make the white fine crystals. Really dry cedar won't do it but every semi-green piece will, and it will also ruin any finish I have ever tried. Only real cure is to be sure it is really dry.
 
Collect that white stuff and put it in the rosin bag.

Depending on location, might be any of several non-cedars, too, y'know. So what is it Charles? Eastern white, western red or yellow, aromatic, or, if an urban tree, possibility it might even be cedar.

Oh yes, aromatic cedar has less moisture in it than most any other wood, so you don't have to leave it long to dry it. Shellac, which does not dissolve in turpentine, is my preferred finish.
 
I had the wonderful experience of using spray laquer on cedar. Took about a month and was covered in gunk. I use eurythane oils now and it works well.

And, Charles, where is ya located?

Dietrich
 
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