Author Topic: Scented timbers  (Read 943 times)

Offline willstewart

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Scented timbers
« on: October 04, 2020, 03:03:11 PM »
I am interested in scented timbers, and wonder if people can make suggestions.

Obviously nearly all woods have some scent, at least whilst being machined, but most are slight and fade quickly.  So for stronger scents I have camphorwood & sandalwood, with walnut, oak, lignum vitae and others including pine having some scent. And jarrah, though not so pleasant! Any other thoughts?

No not as a COVID test - though I suppose that is a thought...


Offline Bryan Milham

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Re: Scented timbers
« Reply #1 on: October 04, 2020, 07:28:15 PM »
camphor laurel - Personally I think it reeks of mothballs but some people like it.

Sapili - to me it has a medical smell

Cedar - that very lightweight fence post wood, very strong resin smell, great for Christmas tree ornaments.
« Last Edit: October 04, 2020, 07:31:04 PM by dr4g0nfly »
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Offline willstewart

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Re: Scented timbers
« Reply #2 on: October 04, 2020, 08:52:11 PM »
Thanks!  As in sapele?

Offline seventhdevil

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Re: Scented timbers
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2020, 09:43:46 PM »
catalpa has a lovely scent.

most wood fade after any period of time and i've used more than most but some do persist.

as you say lignum (both species) and camphor linger on a fair bit and all species in the Cedrus genus smell fantastic in my opinion.

tulip tree can fade after a while but is a lovely scent nonetheless.

douglas fir is one i remember from my joinery days, marvelous smell that one.

there are hundreds that have a pungent whiff too....

Offline willstewart

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Re: Scented timbers
« Reply #4 on: October 05, 2020, 09:40:41 AM »
Thanks all!

Offline Bryan Milham

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Re: Scented timbers
« Reply #5 on: October 05, 2020, 01:28:34 PM »
Will, yes, Sapili as in Sapele. Never did work out which was right!
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Offline michaelb

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Re: Scented timbers
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2020, 01:55:50 PM »

If you can get reclaimed pitch pine beams,  the smell even if the have been in buildings over 100 years can surprise you, once turned are fantastic, but look out for nails which can be picked up by the blackening, you might be surprised how much resin comes out and stick to your tools . All in all worthwhile turning
exercise.   You can pick up smaller pieces that have come out of Chapels now being demolished .    Churches had Oak,  Chapple had Pitch Pine .

 Bit of history Slate exported from Wales to Canada and America ships return load was Pitch pine.
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