a little Sassafras

[John K Jordan]

I don't saw much Sassafras; most of the trees are small. This one was about 20" DBH but the butt log went to turning blanks. At about 12' up is was only 12" diameter but still enough for a few boards.

sassafras.jpg

Due to the excellent sound properties, I might use some of this to make a dulcimer and a bowed psaltry. I've used Sassafras for turned music boxes in the past.

Music_box_nonis_IMG_2390.jpg

JKJ

[Tom Bender]

Nice, I haven't used Sassafras.

[John K Jordan]

Nice, I haven't used Sassafras.

It's fairly light weight, ring porous, looks a bit like chestnut. Machines well (and smells great!). It is one of the more stable woods I've dried - even thick green blocks have not cracked or warped.

JKJ

[James Combs]

Young tender leaves taste pretty good also and don't forget that its dried root makes a great tasting tea. ;-)

[Perry Hilbert Jr]

That dried root tea gets a little oil slick on it. That slick is safiole which has very mild narcotic properties, but more importantly is a schedule 1 Federally controlled substance used to manufacture ecstacy.