Trade Names
European Ash, White Ash Burl
Latin Names
Fraxinus excelsior
Similar to
Myrtle Burl
Origin
Europe, but generally restricted to Western Europe.
Range
The Ash Burl is a trunk burl, i.e. the burl forms in the trunk and not in the root. Generally it is a matter of freestanding or small groups of trees on which a lot more branches have developed due to external influences. This, together with the ever changing direction in growth and continuous over-growing, results in the final burl.
Uses
High quality architectural woodwork as well as high quality produced furniture, widely used in the USA and the Far East.
Properties
Completely sound, large dimensioned, full burl logs are very rare. Frequently either small black knots are found in the burl or more of a cluster type, i.e. the burl zones are spread over the surface and are linked with each other through wild textures.
Machining
Ash can be worked easily and well with all tools. Coarse grown logs tend to split at their planed edges. Very smooth surfaces are produced.
Seasoning
The drying operation should be carried out at moderate temperatures and not too hurriedly. There is only a slight tendency to warp. Surface checking very seldomly occurs.
Finishing
Ash is suitable for all kinds of surface treatments and colored stains are used in particular. Their use presents no problems.
Jointing
Glue is taken well by Ash and produces very durable joints. Pre-drilled screw joints hold well.