Needing some info on cedar

What kind of cedar?

-- I intended to be a woodworker, but turned into a tool and lumber collector.

Depends on the specific species JCamp but it’s mostly desirable due to it’s moisture-resistance and decay resistance. It’s good for outdoor use and marine use. The aromatic variety is also desirable for closets and chests because the odor naturally repels insects.

I have limited experience working with it and the only finish I’ve ever applied was sealer on outdoor furniture. I don’t recall it being especially oily though. But, like I said, I haven’t worked with it a lot.

-- I collect hobbies. There is no sense in limiting yourself (Don W) - - - - - - - - Kenny in SW VA

ive used western red cedar quite a bit and have never found it oily at all,ive stained it painted it and put oil finishes on it no problem.

-- working with my hands is a joy,it gives me a sense of fulfillment,somthing so many seek and so few find.-SAM MALOOF.

I choose cedar for some of my woodcarvings, especially Alaskan Nootka Yellow Cedar. It has excellent carving qualities.

-- You know, this site doesn't require woodworking skills, but you should know how to write.

As mentioned totally depends on type of cedar and your needs. I use western red cedar all the time as its dirt cheap here.

I make boxes of eastern red cedar and it sells well, partially because of the odor. People love it. This is why I do not apply finish on the inside of the boxes I sell. It is soft and sands easily!

-- No PHD just a DD214 Lubbock Texas

Well I’m not really wanting to do the project. What brought this to my mind was I was reading the Bible where Solomon was building the temple and used the Lebanon Cedar for the inside. They covered it in gold. Got me to think why in the world of all the wood would they use cedar. I’ve read it’s oily and that certain finishes will peel off of it over time and I know they have cedar wood essential oil. Aside from it smelling great I can’t find any reason for that wood to be used. Thought mayb some woodworkers would know something about it

-- Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might

I know a little bit about cedars. The truth is Western red cedar is in the cypress family. Alaska yellow, port orford,red cedar all from the cypress family.
The only true cedars are deodar and cedar of Lebanon. I think there’s another called atlas cedar.
Cedar of Lebanon is kinda brittle and soft. So it not that great for structural like table legs or frame rails.
But it’s absolutely the best drawer material. Or back panels for a cabinet. It smells great and lasts forever.
I have almost used my last pieces of cedar of Lebanon I had two large quarter sawn slabs.
I’ve made a lot of drawers from them.

Clarowalnut drawer front with Lebanon bottoms.

-- Aj

The port orford cedar I’ve used takes and holds heavy solids opaque stain beautifully.

I used to turn Port Orford Cedar daily back when I did ShopSmith demos. Stuff costs and arm and a leg, but it machines as clean as anything I’ve ever used.

WRC is what most of us are awash in for outdoor wood furniture, traditional siding, and trim for said houses.

Eastern Cedar we know from the linings of older trunks, and many a closet for it’s fresh smell, and it’s ability to chase off insects.

Gonna go with Aj about the real Cedars, I have no history with them. I think though if you are talking Biblical, it’s not much of a leap to think it’s those real Cedars they were speaking of.

-- Think safe, be safe

I think in any ancient writing or even old writing, the names of things may not easily map into something we can identify. I know that cedars are particularly associated with Lebanon. I you look at a Lebanese coin even today, a tree is depicted. I don’t know if that tree is the same cedar as mentioned in the Bible.

-- I intended to be a woodworker, but turned into a tool and lumber collector.

Here in Arkansas we have loads of red cedar. I have a mill that cuts it for me at .15 c a board foot. I just installed over 3,000 lin ft of T & G under my roof over hang. I must have around 2,500 BF on hand and love working with it.
Unlike northern white cedar it does not give me nose bleeds when working with it. Both cedars finish fine.

-- buzz saw

I know a little bit about cedars. The truth is Western red cedar is in the cypress family. Alaska yellow, port orford,red cedar all from the cypress family.
The only true cedars are deodar and cedar of Lebanon. I think there’s another called atlas cedar.
Cedar of Lebanon is kinda brittle and soft. So it not that great for structural like table legs or frame rails.
But it’s absolutely the best drawer material. Or back panels for a cabinet. It smells great and lasts forever.
I have almost used my last pieces of cedar of Lebanon I had two large quarter sawn slabs.
I’ve made a lot of drawers from them.

Clarowalnut drawer front with Lebanon bottoms.

- Aj2

True although Eastern red cedar (aromatic) is Juniper. I’ve also used Spanish cedar for guitar necks. Also not a true cedar and more like Mahogany.

-- Darrel