Camphor
Camphor is the wood that announces itself before you see it. The smell is unmistakable — medicinal, sharp, and persistent — and it's why camphor chests were used for centuries to repel moths. The wood itself is decent: attractive figure, moderate hardness, easy to dry. It's also mildly toxic in quantity, so ventilate your shop when working it.
- Using oil or varnish finishes without testing — camphor oils can prevent proper adhesion; use dewaxed shellac as a barrier coat
- Working in a poorly ventilated space — the vapors cause headaches and eye irritation with sustained exposure
- Assuming all camphor wood is the same — Australian camphor laurel (same species, introduced) and Asian camphor may vary in figure and scent intensity
Reddish-brown to tan with irregular streaks and warm tones. Often wavy or figured. The defining characteristic is the strong, unmistakable camphor scent that persists for years in finished pieces.
Works reasonably well with both hand and machine tools. Natural oils can interfere with some glues and finishes — test before committing, and use a shellac barrier coat if needed. Strong camphor vapors mean workshop ventilation is important.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Widely available |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Regional / select dealers |