Ash
Frequently asked questions
Can Ash be laser cut?
With some limitations: Ash can be laser cut. Adequate extraction/ventilation is required.
Can Ash be CNC machined?
Yes: Ash can be CNC machined.
Is Ash food safe?
Yes, Ash is food safe even in its raw state.
Physical properties
| Density | 650.0–750.0 kg/m³ |
|---|---|
| Janka hardness | 5900.0 N |
| Moisture absorption | Medium |
Laser processing
Typical organic fumes from hardwood. No specific additional toxic compounds. Standard extraction recommended.
CO₂: Difficult to cut due to high density (650–750 kg/m³) and ring-porous structure: the density difference between earlywood and latewood causes uneven burns, with latewood requiring more power. 80 W+ recommended for cuts >4 mm. Engraving is very good thanks to the open grain which creates interesting tactile texture; earlywood absorbs more energy producing a natural relief effect after laser treatment.
Diode: Good engraving quality on planed surfaces. Cutting not practical for significant thicknesses.
Fiber: Not applicable.
CNC / milling processing
Excellent for structural CNC work. Straight grain and uniform hardness make it very predictable. Tends to produce long, clean chips with sharp tools — an indicator of correct cutting. Recommended chipload 0.12–0.20 mm/tooth for roughing. Ring-porous structure: same warning as American white oak — reduce feed near edges to avoid tearing. Excellent for joinery and mortise & tenon thanks to clean walls.
Post-processing
Sanding: Open ring-porous grain clogs abrasive papers quickly: use fresh sheets frequently. Grits 100 → 150 → 180 → 240. For pore-closing finishes (smooth lacquer) apply a pore filler before final finishing.
Primer: For smooth lacquered finishes a pore filler is recommended to level the open-grain texture. Without filler, clear lacquer will markedly highlight the ring-porous structure, which may or may not be a desired effect.
Gluing: Excellent adhesion with D3/D4 PVA. Flat surface and straight grain allow perfect joints. Compatible with epoxy adhesives. Ash is one of the most widely used woods for structural glued constructions.
Seasoning: Easy seasoning. Less prone to checking than oak and walnut. Target moisture 8–10 %. Wide boards may show slight bowing during drying: plane flat after seasoning.
Over time: Ash is stable over time indoors. The light (white-ivory) colour tends to slightly golden with age. No dramatic colour changes like cherry or walnut.
Common defects
- Open pores visible under smooth lacquer finishes if not filled beforehand
- Edge chipping during CNC milling if the cutters are not sharp
- Warping of wide boards if dried too quickly
- Colour variation between olive ash (with dark streaks) and standard ash
Safety
Recommended PPE: mask_p3, eye_protection
Carcinogenic dust (hardwood, IARC). No specific chemical hazards. P3 mask and standard extraction. Note: European ash availability is declining due to Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (ash dieback).
Availability and formats
Commercial formats: sawn boards, cut timber for tool handles, structural glued panels
Sources
- Wood Database — Fraxinus excelsior
- FPL Wood Handbook — Ash properties
- AIFPF — Latifoglie europee
Information on compatibility, processing parameters and safety is purely indicative. MakerSpecs accepts no liability for damage to persons or property arising from the use of this data. Always check the safety rules and the manufacturer's official manuals before carrying out any processing.