Butternut (Juglans cinerea)

Butternut is overshadowed by the highly popular black walnut, its closest relative. Yet this is a
quality wood worthy of attention in its own right. Known also as white walnut, a term describing
the creamy tan color of the wood, this is a relatively soft species with a hardness rating about half
that of its cousin. Figuratively speaking, butternut cuts like butter for sawing, planing, and routing.
Even though the wood is easy to cut, butternut's long fibers and softness require that blades be
exceptionally sharp to prevent tearing and splintering, especially for turning. A thin application of
sanding sealer can help quite a lot when eliminating butternut "hair," which is composed of fibers
that are difficult to sand. Carvers will find that the wood is easy to work and holds its shape, for
excellent results. The open grain accepts glue, stains, and finishes well. Adhesives deeply
penetrate this ring-porous wood for strong bonds, and the texture and natural oils in butternut
combine to create a rich lustrous appearance when it is stained or finished.
Uses:

Since it is in the same weight class as basswood, some woodworkers turn to butternut when
trying to reduce the weight of large pieces. However, because of its strength limitations, butternut
is not recommended for structurally critical components under stress. In addition, lack of decay
resistance makes butternut suitable for indoor applications only.

C
Back to Top
e mites, supplies of Port Orford white cedar are currently quite limited.
Uses: Onc

Prized for everything from gunstocks to sideboards, black walnut is a 

e prized for building Japanese Buddhist temples, Port Orford white cedar's current uses are in
boatbuilding, caskets in the Orient, arrows, outdoor furniture, cabinetry, and the making of
musical instruments. It seasons with predictable and acceptable shrinkage and has an even,
workable grain that reacts well to sharp hand tools and carbide cutters. It also takes a polish
beautifully. Most of the prime heartwood is now exported to Japan.

Cedar, Spanish (Cedrela huberi)