Ash: Strong, Open-Grained Hardwood with Excellent Turning Performance

Ash, most commonly White Ash (Fraxinus americana), is a durable North American hardwood known for its strength, bold grain pattern, and reliable workability. Widely used for tool handles, furniture, and baseball bats, Ash combines durability with excellent machining and turning characteristics.

For woodturners, Ash offers a bold open grain, good stability, and predictable cutting performance that makes it a dependable choice for both decorative and functional projects.

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Species Information

• Scientific name: Fraxinus americana (most common turning species)
• Common names: White Ash, Ash
• Native region: Eastern and Central United States
• Family: Oleaceae
• Janka hardness: Approximately 1,320 lbf

Ash is moderately dense and strong, providing durability while still being relatively easy to work.

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Color and Appearance

Ash typically ranges from pale cream to light brown, with occasional gray or slightly yellow undertones.

Color characteristics include:

• Light cream to pale tan base color
• Minimal contrast between heartwood and sapwood
• Bold grain lines
• Moderate natural luster

The light color makes Ash suitable for both natural finishes and stained projects.

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Grain Structure and Texture

Ash is known for its prominent open grain, similar to oak.

Grain characteristics include:

• Large open pores
• Straight grain pattern
• Bold earlywood and latewood contrast
• Medium to coarse texture

The strong grain lines create visual depth and texture, especially on curved surfaces.

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Turning Characteristics

Ash turns smoothly and predictably, making it suitable for woodturners of all skill levels.

Turning performance highlights:

• Cuts cleanly with sharp tools
• Easy shaping and control
• Good detail retention
• Minor tearout possible in open grain areas
• Smooth finishing cuts with proper technique

Ash performs well for both spindle and bowl turning.

Because of its open grain, shear scraping and light finishing cuts can improve the final surface.

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Strength and Durability

Ash is known for its strength and shock resistance.

Performance characteristics include:

• High strength
• Good impact resistance
• Durable finished pieces
• Moderate weight

This strength is why Ash has traditionally been used for tool handles and sporting equipment.

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Stability and Movement

Ash offers good dimensional stability when properly dried.

Performance characteristics include:

• Reliable stability indoors
• Moderate movement with humidity changes
• Predictable drying behavior
• Long-lasting performance

Proper sealing and finishing help maintain stability over time.

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Ideal Uses for Woodturning

Ash is versatile and suitable for both decorative and functional turning projects.

Common uses include:

• Bowls
• Hollow forms
• Tool handles
• Spindles
• Mallets
• Pepper mills

Its strength makes it especially useful for projects requiring durability.

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Sanding and Finishing

Because of its open pores, Ash may require additional finishing steps for a smooth surface.

Recommended sanding progression:

• Start at 120 or 150 grit
• Progress through 220, 320, and 400 grit
• Continue to 600 grit if desired

Finishing options include:

Oil finishes

• Enhance grain contrast
• Deepen color slightly

Lacquer or polyurethane

• Provide durable protection

Grain filler (optional)

• Produces a glass-smooth finish

Oil finishes are particularly effective at highlighting Ash’s bold grain pattern.

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Why Woodturners Choose Ash

Ash (Fraxinus americana) offers woodturners a strong, dependable hardwood with bold grain and excellent turning performance. Its combination of durability, workability, and visual texture makes it suitable for both decorative and functional projects.

For woodturners seeking a domestic hardwood with strength, character, and reliable performance, Ash is an excellent and practical choice.