{"product_id":"staghorn-sumac-pen-blank-hybrid-21","title":"Staghorn Sumac Pen Blank Hybrid","description":"\u003cp\u003e1 x 1 x 6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac is a unique and often overlooked North American turning wood prized for its distinctive yellow, olive-green, and russet-brown coloration, lightweight feel, fine texture, and attractive natural luster. Unlike many traditional hardwoods, Staghorn Sumac can display striking greenish-yellow heartwood with darker streaking, making it an especially interesting choice for small turning projects, pens, knife handles, decorative pieces, carvings, and other specialty woodworking projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood comes from a native North American shrub or small tree that typically grows in open fields, forest edges, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. Staghorn Sumac is recognizable by the reddish-brown, velvety hairs covering its young branches—resembling the velvet on a stag's antlers and giving the species its name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor woodturners, Staghorn Sumac offers an unusual combination of light weight, vibrant natural color, fine texture, and high visual character. It is relatively soft compared with most commercial hardwoods, making it easy to shape with sharp tools. Because the wood can be somewhat brittle and prone to fraying, sharp turning tools and controlled cuts are recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical Name: Rhus typhina L.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily: Anacardiaceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenus: Rhus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon Name: Staghorn Sumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon \u0026amp; Trade Names\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumach\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHairy Sumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVelvet Sumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmerican Sumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVirginia Sumac\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRhus hirta is an older name that may still appear in some references. Current botanical references recognize Rhus typhina as the species name.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Distribution\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac is native to the eastern and central portions of North America. It commonly grows along forest edges, abandoned fields, roadsides, fence rows, railroad rights-of-way, and other open or disturbed areas. It is generally a fast-growing, relatively short-lived shrub or small tree and often spreads by root suckers, forming colonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColor \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most distinctive characteristics of Staghorn Sumac is its unusual heartwood color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeartwood: Yellow, olive-green, greenish-yellow, and sometimes russet-brown with darker streaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSapwood: Grayish-white to pale-colored and can contain yellow or green streaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood can have a naturally attractive luster and may develop an exceptionally interesting appearance when sanded and finished. Some Sumac wood can also fluoresce under ultraviolet light, adding another unusual characteristic for woodworkers and collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrain \u0026amp; Texture\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac generally has a straight to interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture. The wood is ring-porous to semi-ring-porous, with visible growth-ring structure and a naturally smooth appearance when properly sanded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of unusual color, fine texture, and natural luster makes Staghorn Sumac particularly attractive for small specialty projects where the wood's character can be showcased.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWood Characteristics\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximate dried weight: 33 lbs\/ft³ (530 kg\/m³)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecific gravity: Approximately 0.45 basic \/ 0.53 at 12% MC\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJanka hardness: Approximately 680 lbf (3,030 N)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac is considered a lightweight, relatively soft wood compared with many commonly used hardwoods. Its lower density makes it easy to shape and comfortable to work with on smaller turning projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSumac is reported to air-dry relatively easily without significant cracking or checking. As with any natural wood blank, proper drying and storage are important, particularly with smaller branches and irregularly shaped material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorkability \u0026amp; Woodturning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac is generally easy to work with sharp woodworking and turning tools. Its relatively low hardness allows it to cut easily, but the wood can be somewhat brittle and prone to fraying or tearing, particularly when turning across difficult grain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the best results:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse sharp turning tools.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake lighter finishing cuts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupport delicate areas when possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSand progressively through the grits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsider stabilizing softer or more fragile blanks when appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quality finish can bring out the wood's natural luster and unusual coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of its unique colors and relatively small size, Staghorn Sumac is especially well suited to small turning projects rather than large structural applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal Uses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac is an excellent specialty wood for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePen blanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCustom pens\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWoodturning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife handles\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKnife scales\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBottle stoppers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuck calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGame calls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall decorative turnings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarvings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJewelry and small craft projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectible wood projects\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmall boxes and containers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecialty woodworking\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArt and display pieces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts unusual green, yellow, and brown coloration makes it especially attractive for one-of-a-kind pen blanks and small turned projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHealth \u0026amp; Safety\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eImportant: Staghorn Sumac should not be confused with Poison Sumac. Staghorn Sumac is a different species, Rhus typhina, and is not the same plant as Poison Sumac.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, caution is still recommended when working with fresh Staghorn Sumac. Wood-identification information from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources notes that the fresh sap and wood of Sumac can cause dermatitis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen cutting, turning, or sanding Staghorn Sumac:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear eye protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse effective dust collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid breathing airborne wood dust.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear appropriate respiratory protection when needed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear gloves when handling freshly cut material if you are sensitive to plant saps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWash exposed skin after working with fresh material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid burning unknown Sumac material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not confuse Staghorn Sumac with Poison Sumac. Poison Sumac is a different plant and is associated with urushiol, the same allergenic oil responsible for reactions from poison ivy and poison oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCITES \/ Conservation\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) is a common native North American species and is not generally treated as a CITES-regulated commercial timber species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy Choose Staghorn Sumac?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you're looking for something different from the usual domestic hardwoods, Staghorn Sumac is an excellent specialty choice. Its unusual olive-green to yellow heartwood, darker streaking, lightweight characteristics, fine texture, and natural luster make it a fascinating wood for pen turning and other small-scale projects.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery piece can display its own combination of color and grain, making Staghorn Sumac a great choice for woodworkers who want something genuinely different.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStaghorn Sumac, Staghorn Sumac wood, Staghorn Sumac wood blanks, Staghorn Sumac pen blanks, Staghorn Sumac turning blanks, Staghorn Sumac pen turning wood, Staghorn Sumac knife handle wood, Staghorn Sumac knife scales, Staghorn Sumac bottle stopper blanks, Staghorn Sumac call blanks, Sumac wood, Sumac wood blanks, Sumac pen blanks, Sumac turning blanks, Sumac turning wood, Sumac hardwood, Sumac wood for sale, Rhus typhina, Rhus typhina wood, Rhus typhina blanks, American Sumac, Hairy Sumac, Velvet Sumac, Virginia Sumac, North American hardwood, North American wood, domestic hardwood, specialty wood blanks, unique wood blanks, colorful wood blanks, green wood blanks, olive green wood, exotic looking hardwood, premium wood blanks, pen making wood, woodturning blanks, wood lathe blanks, turning stock, custom pen blanks, knife handle blanks, knife scales, bottle stopper blanks, duck call blanks, game call blanks, carving wood, woodworking supplies, artisan woodworking, fine woodworking, natural wood blanks, specialty turning wood, unique turning wood, custom woodworking, Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45212521267400,"sku":"Sumac 23","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0004\/1399\/0978\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_b8186cff-89f3-47e8-8bae-dd05dabbb937.jpg?v=1789310904","url":"https:\/\/oakbrookwoodturningsupply.com\/products\/staghorn-sumac-pen-blank-hybrid-21","provider":"Oakbrook Wood Turning Supply","version":"1.0","type":"link"}