Spanish Cedar in jewelry box

[Marc Lapointe]

First time posting and very much a newbie with this woodworking stuff. I think the last thing I built was a keepsake type box in Cub Scouts 40 yrs ago. Making a jewelry box for my wife who wants cedar on the inside for the aroma. I went with Spanish Cedar and was wondering if I leave it unfinished or if there is a finish that would not 'block' the aroma?

Thanks,
Marc

[Rob Cunningham]

I think you would want to use aromatic cedar rather than Spanish cedar and leave it unfinished.

[Marc Lapointe]

I think you would want to use aromatic cedar rather than Spanish cedar and leave it unfinished.

Rob,

I picked Spanish Cedar because I had access to some already and it still had a pretty good aroma to it. Not quite as strong as aromatic cedar.

Marc

[Rob Sack]

I think Spanish Cedar is a better choice than Aromatic Cedar. For one, it lokks much better. Secondly, I don't believe the sawdust is as toxic, which should only be an issue during fabrication. I'm curious, though, why you would want to use either in a jewelry box? Should you decide to use either, I would definitely leave it unfinished.

[Marc Lapointe]

I'm curious, though, why you would want to use either in a jewelry box? Should you decide to use either, I would definitely leave it unfinished.

Rob,

Request from the eventual owner (my wife). She just likes the smell so I'll do it. You know how that goes.
Marc

[Joe Cunningham]

No finish. I used spanish cedar in a jewelry box recently and just did a slip fit with mitered corners, no glue. The box itself is made of walnut and I used shellac on the inside (no fumes).

Any finish you put on the cedar will seal in the smell, which defeats the point of using cedar.

[Marc Lapointe]

Any finish you put on the cedar will seal in the smell, which defeats the point of using cedar.[/QUOTE]


Thanks all,

Confirmed what I thought. Time to get moving on this project. I'll be sure to post pics when I'm done so you all can see if I've gained any ability in 40 years! I still have the box from back then for comparison.