A Beginners Guide to Cedar - One of the Most Versitile Woods Around!

I love working with #Cedar. It is a beautiful and versatile wood and smells AMAZING, It is also really misunderstood. In this video I discuss the qualities of Cedar lumber and why it is so popular. I also discuss some lesser known facts about cedar and explain the difference between true cedar and false cedar. This video is a must for any beginning #woodworker looking to start working with cedar.

#woodworking

Here is a list of all of the tools that I use in my projects:

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[scottgodfrey]

I milled up 400+ cedar balusters for my sons deck. After working with it for a few days, the smell reminded me of pencil sharpener shavings. I was transported back to my elementary school days. Most of those memories were pleasant.

[stevenpierce]

I've been a lifetime woodworker and learned some new things from your video. Forty years ago I worked in a cabinet shop. When customers came to the shop the secretary would come through the door to the shop from the showroom and give us the high sign. We kept a piece of aromatic cedar by a table saw and would rip a small strip. The comment that customers would say "This smells like a wood shop." Do what you have to to make a sale.

[uhNid]

My only feedback on this video is i wish you talked a little more in detail on working with cedar for its most common uses (like outdoor furniture for example) and how to treat it/finish it etc. Otherwise very good info and I enjoyed getting some education on not just the wood itself but the historical relevance! Not something you hear a lot about on woodworking channels.

[brucepaddle]

Really informative & well presented. Thank you Dave!

[tracymbrooks]

Thanks for the video. I did not know that cedar can be toxic to the lungs. I was planning on sanding it. I will with the appropriate protective gear.

[shrimuyopa]

In my experience it's a brittle wood to work with. But as mentioned it smells wonderful, initially has beautiful contrasts in color, and is lightweight. I have made jewelry boxes, catch trays, and plaques with it. I have even made some pistol grips out of the wood just recently. I don't believe it's the best wood to use for pistol grips but it's still really fun to look at.
It also sands and finishes really easily and well. At least compared to red oak and walnut, aromatic cedar produces a very smooth surface.

[John-Brown]

This was awesome! I can't wait for the next wood in the "Beginners Guide" series! Many viewers are speculating that the next wood in the series will be Oak. However, I think the smart money's on Pine.

[SOLT_Mark]

I love the stuff. Hand planes beautifully. A pleasure to work. A little brittle for some types of joinery but doable.

[tookmyhandle]

Dave, your channel is fantastic! I thought this genre was pretty played out, but your intelligent twist on woodworking, reno, and DIY are a breath of fresh air! I’ve really enjoyed your discussions on the economics of raw material pricing. Keep posting! It’s really enjoyable content.

[MrJayyangie]

Thanks for the video. Very informative. I am just beginning to build an outdoor grill table made out of cedar.

[staberdearth]

Built my first deck with PT structural members and cedar. I used 2x6’s and 2x8’s for the decking and railings. Man, did it smell great for awhile. When I installed it, I recall that it was rated to last 15 years in such an environment. It did, right to the year. I was able to rip up the decking with my bare hands. Most of the decking had turned to mulch, especially around the galvanized screws. The PT frame underneath looked brand new. The new decking is IPE. You have to drill for every stainless steel screw. Thirteen years later, still looks great with a new deck stain every four years. Ipe was not available the first time and Trex had not yet improved beyond a gray industrial look. Cedar was the best choice over 5/4 PT boards.

[josephreese]

I love red cedar! Fantastic aroma! Great to work. Yet soaks up finishes.the sound for guitars is so good!

[mmkahr]

I built a cedar sauna recently, turned out great. I had a bad wheezy cough and clogged nose for 4 days. Use a dust mask!!

[steventimm]

Wow!! This was an awesome video! I appreciated learning! Cedar is one of my favorite woods!

[ProximaCentauri]

It's one of my favorite scents. I always get asked what my perfume is because it smells so good. I actually apply some drops of cedarwood and bergamot.

[mokudjinn]

Ahh, I finally found someone who like cedar, woohoo !
I am using yellow one (in France) and I would love to work more with it, red included .
Cedar isn't that popular, maybe cause of the sensitive people to it but I really like it !

[wayned]

Its great for making fishing lures, easy to turn & shape

[danalaniz]

Great explanation of the different cedars.

[genemccarthy]

An excellent tutorial on cedar. Unfortunately, Northern Arizona big box lumber stores such as Home Depot don't stock the sizes I need, e.g., 1x6x8'.

[josephgosselin]

Tuned in for gluing information. Did not get the other information was great!.