Japanese wood equivalents

[Tony Wilkins]

Since I'm getting my first go of Japanese Hand tools, I was wondering what would be woods similar to what the Japanese use that would be available around America? To sat it another way, what are wood commonly used for different projects (furniture, decorative, utilitarian boxes, etc) that there is something similar here to use to recreate?

[wleingang]

Western Red Cedar is a good one for outdoor and indoor projects. Basically any American hardwood will work for indoor stuff.

[HoboMonk]

Popular Japanese woods used for furniture making in Japan:

Keyaki (a type of elm, also called zelkova) - I like sassafras as a substitute.

Kiri (Paulownia) - Some Paulownia is grown domestically, especially in Georgia.

Sugi (Crytomeria, sometimes called a Japanese cedar) - I like Alaskan Yellow Cedar and tight Western Cedar as substitutes.

Hinoki (Japanese cypress) - My local Kentucky Baldcypress is a good substitute.

Kuwa (Mulberry) - I like local Mulberry that is well seasoned as a substitute.

Local Kentucky woods that I use include: Eastern Red Cedar, Boxelder, Hackberry, Maple, Poplar, Southern Yellow Pine.

Blessings,

Bro. Tenzin

[chicks82]

Popular Japanese woods used for furniture making in Japan:

Keyaki (a type of elm, also called zelkova) - I like sassafras as a substitute.

Kiri (Paulownia) - Some Paulownia is grown domestically, especially in Georgia.

Sugi (Crytomeria, sometimes called a Japanese cedar) - I like Alaskan Yellow Cedar and tight Western Cedar as substitutes.

Hinoki (Japanese cypress) - My local Kentucky Baldcypress is a good substitute.

Kuwa (Mulberry) - I like local Mulberry that is well seasoned as a substitute.

Local Kentucky woods that I use include: Eastern Red Cedar, Boxelder, Hackberry, Maple, Poplar, Southern Yellow Pine.

Blessings,

Bro. Tenzin

do they use white oak also?

[HoboMonk]

Other than the listed preferred wood; all woods, domestic and imported, are used where appropriate.

Use what you have.