The Boxwood I have is from a 50 year old hedge that I removed from in front of my house when I lived in San Jose California. It is closely related to the tree of the same name and the wood has the same characteristics just in smaller pieces. Boxwood is the traditional wood used to make bagpipes. Boxwood is often sold by the pound and is rather expensive when it is available. In the past it was the wood of choice for high quality chisel handles. It is exceptionally hard and stable and has so little moisture in it that it can often be cured in the round with no internal checking . Boxwood is exceptional for turning on a lathe and will take a high polish if very sharp tools are used and the tool is held rather steep so that it burnishes the cut. The wood gives off scent that reminds me of buttered popcorn when cutting or turning and is a real pleasure to work. The pieces I have are rather small and really only suited for inlay or trim, but the warm yellow and it's ability to take a high polish make it a wonderful contrast against so many other woods. I will be getting another hedge from a neighbor and it promises to have some larger pieces.
©Robin Corell 2005