I saw some turned items this weekend made from black ash. What is it and what’s it like to work?
Ian Kirby: There are three types of ash sold commercially in North America: white ash (Fraxinus americana), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) and black ash (Fraxinus nigra). The grain and texture of all three are similar, but black ash is generally a darker color than the other two. Black ash is not as heavy or tough as the other two, but it’s considered a good wood for cabinets and furniture. It machines, glues and finishes well.
