Ash Turkey Pot Hybrid

1 x 4 x 4

Ash is a classic hardwood prized by woodworkers for its strength, shock resistance, attractive grain, and excellent workability. With its light natural color and bold grain pattern, Ash is a versatile choice for everything from pens and game calls to knife handles, bottle stoppers, bowls, and other turned projects.

The name Ash refers to numerous species within the Fraxinus genus, so the exact characteristics, color, density, and hardness can vary depending on the species and origin. Our Ash may include different Ash species, giving each blank its own natural character and variation.

Botanical Information

Genus: Fraxinus

Family: Oleaceae

Common Botanical Designation: Fraxinus spp.

Common Species: White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), Black Ash (Fraxinus nigra), Oregon Ash (Fraxinus latifolia), European Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), and others.

Common & Trade Names

Ash, Ash Wood, American Ash, White Ash, Green Ash, Black Ash, European Ash, Oregon Ash, Ash Hardwood, and Fraxinus.

Origin & Distribution

Ash species are naturally distributed throughout North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Different species grow in a wide range of environments, from moist lowlands and river bottoms to upland forests.

Because "Ash" can refer to multiple Fraxinus species, the origin and characteristics of individual pieces may vary.

Color & Appearance

Ash typically features a light-colored appearance ranging from creamy white and nearly white to pale tan and light brown. Heartwood may develop warmer brown, tan, or grayish-brown tones.

The wood is often recognized for its attractive contrast between earlywood and latewood, creating prominent grain lines and distinctive cathedral or striped patterns. Mineral streaking and natural color variation can add additional character.

Grain & Texture

Ash generally has a straight, prominent grain with a medium to coarse texture and open pores. Some pieces may display wavy, curly, or other figured grain patterns.

The pronounced grain makes Ash particularly attractive when finished naturally, while its open pore structure also makes it a good candidate for staining and coloring.

Wood Characteristics

Ash characteristics vary by species, but commonly encountered Ash woods generally fall within these approximate ranges:

Density: 35–45 lbs/ft³

Specific Gravity: 0.50–0.65

Janka Hardness: Approximately 1,000–1,600 lbf

White Ash, one of the most commonly recognized Ash species, is particularly well known for its combination of hardness, strength, and shock resistance.

Stability & Durability

Ash is valued for its strength, toughness, and excellent resistance to impact. These qualities have made it a traditional choice for tool handles, sporting equipment, furniture, flooring, and other applications requiring a strong and resilient hardwood.

Proper drying and acclimation are important for minimizing movement and maintaining stability in finished projects.

Workability & Woodturning

Ash is generally easy to work with sharp tools and machines well. It sands, drills, cuts, and turns readily.

For woodturners, Ash's bold grain can produce excellent visual results on smaller projects. It works particularly well for pens, bottle stoppers, game calls, handles, bowls, and other decorative or functional turnings.

Because of its open grain, careful sanding can help produce a smoother finished surface.

Finishing

Ash accepts a wide range of finishes including oils, waxes, lacquers, polyurethane, and other clear finishes. Stains and dyes can also be used to dramatically change the appearance while highlighting the naturally open grain.

A grain filler may be desirable when a particularly smooth, glass-like finish is wanted.

Ideal Uses

Ash wood blanks are excellent for:

Pen blanks

Woodturning projects

Knife handles and knife scales

Duck calls and game calls

Bottle stoppers

Tool handles

Bowls and small vessels

Decorative turning

Carving

Small boxes

Furniture components

Specialty woodworking projects

Health & Safety

As with most hardwoods, Ash dust can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Use proper dust collection, eye protection, and appropriate respiratory protection when cutting, sanding, turning, or machining Ash.

CITES & Conservation

Common Ash species are generally not CITES-regulated commercial woods. However, regulations can vary depending on the exact species and country of origin. International buyers should verify the requirements applicable to their specific species and destination.

Interesting Facts

Ash has a long history of use in applications where strength and flexibility are important. Its combination of toughness and shock resistance has made Ash a traditional material for tool handles, sporting equipment, and other demanding applications.

Its open grain and light color also make it a popular choice for woodworkers who want a hardwood that can be naturally finished, stained, or creatively colored.

Why Choose Ash Wood?

Ash combines strength, durability, attractive grain, and excellent workability in one versatile hardwood. Its light natural color and pronounced grain provide a great foundation for both traditional and creative woodworking projects.

Whether you're turning a custom pen, creating a game call, making a knife handle, or building a unique woodworking project, Ash offers dependable performance with plenty of natural character.

Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply offers Ash wood for woodturners, pen makers, knife makers, call makers, and other craftsmen looking for quality hardwood with a classic appearance and proven performance.

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