Creative Woodworks & crafts 2004-09, страница 74

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The male and female llowers are borne on different trees, and do not necessarily flower each year. The seeds ripen from August to September and are a favorite food of birds. When fully ripe, the fruit (technically an ovoid drupe) arc blue in color on a red stem, are fleshy (similar to cherries), and contain one seed. This species does not depend on seeds for propagation, as it readily sends up root suckers that will allow it to spread over a wide area. The seeds, however, are also spread over a wide area by birds, thus introducing the species to many areas.

The wood of this species is classified as soft, weak, and brittle, but durable. It is not an important tree from the standpoint of lumber production, although is has found considerable use in many domestic applications. The log can be harvested any time of year, but should be milled as soon as possible after felling, then stacked and stickered. Tt will air dry beautifully with little degrade, but may develop deep end checks if harvested in the spring or if the ends are not coated. As with most woods, be sure to use dry stickers and keep their ends from getting wet or you will get deep sticker stains.

Sassafras has a yellowish, greenish, light brown color and a soft glow, and is similar in appearance and working characteristics to American Chestnut. Tts color and grain structure make it a good substitute for antique repairs on items made of Chestnut. It is also similar in appearance to black ash, but is softer.

There will be no mistaking this wood for any other when you smell it. It, like the rest of the tree, has a distinctive spicy odor that at times in a dusty shop can be nearly overpowering. It works beautifully with hand or machine tools, but will burn rather easily with dull or slow moving power tools. Be sure to hand plane or chisel with the grain, because when a sliver lifts it will travel further than you thought. If that happens, jusL apply a little glue and clamp it and the split will nearly disappear. We have not had any problems with glues or finishes on this wood, but because it is solt it will dent very easily. This wood is only fair in nail holding ability and nails best with square nails. Screws work well, but be sure to use pilot holes that are slightly under size; as you drive the screws, that little bit of extra torque will strip the hole if you are not careful. Also, any fastening near the end grain will require extra attention to prevent splitting.

Sassafras has a shrinkage factor of a little over 6% and is a relatively stable wood. A 12"-wide, flat-sawn board will shrink a little less than 1/4" from 20% MC down to 12% MC, and have a seasonal movement of 1/8" between 6% MC and 12% MC. It can be used for turning and carving, but will require very sharp tools. It has been used for furniture, dugout canoes, slack cooperage, and crafts. Spi