Wood Senses

Cottonwood…...Smells like the inside of an outdoor toilet.

Walnut…..the smell is soooo calming.

Red Oak….smell reminds me of HS shop class. 53 years ago!!!!

Curly maple also reminds me of the many hours in shop class learning to sharpen plane irons that wouldn’t leave tear out. NOT a really fond memory. I was a KLUTZ!

-- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

It’s something that comes up occasionally, and the consensus is that (Black) Walnut for the most part smells almost like Hot Cocoa or there abouts. I suppose it’s close enough. Being my favorite wood to build with it’s the one that I remember the smell of the most. Even with the great smell, it’s always a great idea to wear a dust mask, because of um… “clean out” issues.

-- Respect your shop tools and they will respect you - Ric

Haha, thanks for the posts guys, Gene, I wish my shop teacher knew how to sharpen anything! Not dissing on my shop teacher (we are great friends now) but I think I am teaching HIM woodworking now. I told him I was gonna pay a visit to the high school and do a lesson on sharpening. Should be pretty cool!

-- Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish the work of our hands- establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17

When I cut red oak, I not only wear a mask but gloves. Matter of fact, I have to use gloves for most of the project. I seem to have some alergy to red oak. I itch like crazy where ever it touches me. And, it’s the wood I use most. Back in HS, 61/62 I used mohogany for most projects. Never had that problem.

-- Gary, DeKalb Texas only 4 miles from the mill