Scientific name

Fraxinus excelsior L.; F. angustifolia Vahl;

Other names

English: Ash, European Ash or Common Ash

Geographic origin

Europe, including Britsh Islands, North Africa and East Asia

Description

&;8226; Sapwood and Heartwood: white a white rosada
&;8226; Fiber: Straight
&;8226; Grain: medium size
&;8226; Characteristic defects: Knots ojo de perdiz. False dark core

Capacity of being impregnated

Medium capacity of being impregnated

Mechanization

&;8226; Sawing process: Easy and with no difficulties
&;8226; Drying process: Easy. From fast to medium-slow speed process
&;8226; Planing process: Easy. It is easily bent
&;8226; Gluing process: Easy, except in those cases of resorcine adhesive use
&;8226; Nailing and screwing process: Pre-drilling is required
&;8226; Finish: Easy

Physical properties

&;8226; Apparent density at 12% humidity 690 kg/m3 semi-heavy wood
&;8226; Dimensional stability
- Volumetric contraction coefficient 0.45 % variation from stable wood to nervous wood
- Relation between contractions 1.64% no tendency to deformity
&;8226; Hardness (Chaláis-Meudon) 4.2 semi-hardwood

Mechanical properties

&;8226; Resistance to static flexion 1130 kg/cm2 &;8226; Elasticity module 129,000 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to compression 510 kg/cm2
&;8226; Resistance to parallel traction 1450 kg/cm2

Observations

&;8226; The central part of the trunk can have a dark olive colour
&;8226; There is also the American Ash, quite common in United States and Canada and very similar to the European Ash