A Love Story with Ash Wood
You know, it’s funny how woodworking sneaks up on you. I’ll never forget the day I bumped into a stack of ash in the lumberyard. I had just wandered in to grab some two-by-fours for another half-baked project—a birdhouse with too many angles that I was convinced would take me straight to the cover of Woodworker’s Digest. I had this vision in my head of something beautiful, simple, and well… perfect. Spoiler: it wasn’t.
But anyway, as I stood there, there it was—this beautiful stack of ash. It had this light, almost creamy color with those straight, clean grains running through it like it was a piece of art waiting to happen. I thought, “Hmm, I’ll take a couple of those boards.” Little did I know I was about to tumble down the rabbit hole of ash woodworking, a rabbit hole I wasn’t sure I’d climb out of.
A Weird Introduction
So I get back home, and I’ve got these planks in the garage, smelling all fresh like the forest. I love that smell, you know? It’s a mix of nature and something almost sweet. Anyway, my neighbor, Bill—he’s a retired carpenter and a heck of a mentor—just happened to be outside, beer in hand. As I showed him the wood, he kinda chuckled. “Ah, ash? Good choice, buddy,” he said, taking a swig.
“Yeah? What’s the big deal about ash?” I asked, kinda half-interested. Bill straightened up, and, man, did he start rambling. He talked about how ash is tough but workable, and oh boy, the way it takes stain—well, let’s just say it practically begs for it. I was intrigued but equally overwhelmed.
The Great Mishap
Now, let me tell you about this one project I thought was going to be a breeze. I decided to craft a coffee table for the living room, using that beautiful ash wood. Simple enough, right? No complicated joints or tricky angles—just some straight cuts and a little sanding. Haha, yeah, well, I thought wrong.
So, I pulled out my trusty miter saw, a DeWalt that has probably seen too much action, and started cutting my pieces to length—easy enough. I still hear that satisfying “thunk” as the blade slices through grain with the precision of a hot knife through butter. But then, it was like the universe flipped a switch.
I went to piece everything together, and the corners just… didn’t line up. I mean, it was like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube while blindfolded. No matter how I trimmed, pulled, or pounded, one corner would look great while the opposite side resembled a jigsaw puzzle gone wrong. I almost threw in the towel, sat in the garage cradling my coffee, and thought, “Maybe woodworking ain’t for me.”
Learning Curve
But then I paused. I mean, really thought about it. That’s when it hit me—it’s not about getting it right the first time; it’s all in the learning. So, I went back, picked up my chisel, and decided to make some minor adjustments. I think I might’ve muttered some choice words directed at that stubborn piece of wood, but hey, it was therapeutic. And wouldn’t you know it, after a good ol’ sanding and some patience, it finally started to come together.
By the time I was finished, the table had this warm, gorgeous sheen to it, highlighting the grain in a way I didn’t think possible. I almost laughed out loud because it actually worked! And there in that little victory, surrounded by sawdust and coffee rings, I felt a swell of pride.
The Finish Line
AHH, applying the finish was the icing on the cake. Used a wiped-on oil stain, something from Minwax, I think—just a simple natural wood stain. As I put that first coat on, it was like the world lit up around me. The grain just popped and shimmered. I can’t say enough how satisfying it is to see something transform right in front of your eyes: the ash wood going from “hey, I’m just lumber” to “wow, look at me!”
You know, every time someone walks into my living room and admires that coffee table, I smile because, to me, it’s more than just a piece of furniture. It’s a reminder that every project is its own journey. That beautiful piece of ash taught me patience, perseverance, and just enough humility to know there’s always something new to learn.
A Final Thought
So, if you’re sitting there thinking about diving into woodworking—maybe you’ve got some ash in your sights or you’re eyeing that giant oak—don’t hesitate. Just go for it. You’re gonna mess up; trust me, I’ve had my fair share of oops moments. But those “oops” will turn into “oh wow” at some point, I promise. And when they do? That’s when it’s all worth it.
Woodworking isn’t about perfection; it’s about creation. Embrace those mistakes—dance with them like you’re at a high school prom, and know that they’re just stepping stones on the journey. Always remember, as Bill would say, "wood is forgiving, but you gotta let it teach you." Now grab that tool and go create something beautiful.
