Trade Names
Damo, Tamo Yachidamo (all Japanese names), Tamo, Japanese Ash
Similar Woods
Origin
East Asia
Range
Southeast Asia, especially in Japan, Korea, Manchuria and Sachalin. However, the occurrences of this wood being of importance for the Europan market are those of Japan, especially on Honshu and Hokkaido.
Uses
High quality interior construction lumber, highly decorative with burls or fiddleback mottle; construction lumber (only in Japan).
Properties
The color is slightly darker than that of the European Ash but when machined Japanese Ash is more comparable with European Oak. Colorful Tamo and Tamo Burls are excellently suited for the production of very decorative veneers.
Machining
Japanese Ash can be worked with all tools without difficulty. Edges and profiles can split should the tools not be perfectly sharp.
Seasoning
Due to the already low moisture content of the log Japanese Ash can be dried well and quickly. As a general rule it is not prone to checking or warping.
Finishing
All the usual surface finishes, such as stains and varnishes, can be used without difficulty
Jointing
Japanese Ash glues well. Screw and nail joints should be pre-drilled but then hold well.