Spanish Cedar
Tuesday , 03 March 2026 , 03 : 08 PM
Spanish Cedar: Aromatic, Lightweight, and Easy to Turn
Spanish Cedar, scientifically known as Cedrela odorata, is a tropical hardwood native to Central and South America. Despite its name, it is not a true cedar but is closely related to mahogany. It is well known for its pleasant aroma, light weight, and excellent workability.
For woodturners, Spanish Cedar offers smooth cutting, low weight, and reliable stability, making it ideal for boxes, hollow forms, and projects where aroma or lightness is desired.
Species Information
- Scientific name: Cedrela odorata
- Common name: Spanish Cedar
- Native region: Central and South America
- Family: Meliaceae
- Janka hardness: Approximately 600 lbf
Spanish Cedar is softer and lighter than many tropical hardwoods, contributing to its ease of machining and turning.
Color and Appearance
Spanish Cedar typically ranges from light pinkish-brown to reddish-brown, sometimes with subtle orange or golden undertones.
Color characteristics include:
- Pale reddish to medium brown heartwood
- Lighter sapwood
- Straight, uniform grain
- Moderate natural luster
The color may deepen slightly with age and finishing.
Distinctive Aroma
One of Spanish Cedar’s most notable features is its fragrance.
Key characteristics include:
- Pleasant, cedar-like aroma
- Scent becomes noticeable when freshly cut
- Aroma gradually fades over time
- Naturally repels insects
Because of its scent and insect resistance, Spanish Cedar is commonly used for humidors and storage boxes.
Grain Structure and Texture
Spanish Cedar typically has a straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture.
Grain characteristics include:
- Open pores
- Visible grain pattern
- Moderate texture
- Easy-to-sand surface
The open grain may require filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Turning Characteristics
Spanish Cedar turns easily and is forgiving on the lathe.
Turning performance highlights:
- Cuts cleanly with sharp tools
- Easy shaping and control
- Lightweight
- Minor tearout possible in interlocked areas
- Smooth sanding characteristics
Its softness makes it suitable for beginners and for larger forms where weight matters.
It performs well for both spindle and bowl turning.
Stability and Durability
Spanish Cedar offers good dimensional stability when properly dried.
Performance characteristics include:
- Lightweight
- Moderate strength
- Good resistance to decay and insects
- Stable for indoor projects
While not highly wear resistant, it performs well for decorative and moderate-use items.
Ideal Uses for Woodturning
Spanish Cedar is well suited for projects that benefit from light weight and aroma.
Common uses include:
- Boxes and lidded containers
- Humidors
- Hollow forms
- Bowls
- Decorative vessels
- Lightweight spindles
Its pleasant scent makes it especially attractive for storage projects.
Sanding and Finishing
Spanish Cedar sands easily but may require pore filling for smooth finishes.
Recommended sanding progression:
- Start at 120 or 150 grit
- Progress through 220, 320, and 400 grit
Finishing options include:
Oil finishes
Lacquer or polyurethane
Grain filler (optional)
- Creates a smoother surface
Clear finishes are typically preferred to preserve its natural color.
Why Woodturners Choose Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata) offers woodturners a lightweight, aromatic hardwood with smooth turning characteristics and reliable stability. Its pleasant scent and easy workability make it especially popular for boxes and hollow forms.
For woodturners seeking a warm-toned tropical hardwood that is easy to shape and pleasant to work with, Spanish Cedar is an excellent and practical choice.
