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What does wood smell like?

post #1 of 6
7/1/10 at 11:26am
Thread Starter 
Woods smell like what? What is the best way to experience the smell of "woods" as the term is used in perfumery? Should I walk up to a tree and smell it? I've done this. They pretty much DON'T smell. Should I chop a tree down, burn it, then smell it? Should I cut a 2x4 with a buzz saw, then smell it? WHAT IS THE SMELL OF WOOD and how do I find out?
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post #2 of 6
7/1/10 at 1:40pm
You can probably get a general idea by visiting the cut wood section of a hardware store. Woods usually refers to the smell of a general lumber, the wood-chippy mix of fresh cut wood. Sometimes woods can be quite a green garden style, almost a bit like walking in a forest sometimes a more dry furniture-wood smell. It's quite a generic term.
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post #3 of 6
7/1/10 at 1:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Frip View Post

Should I cut a 2x4 with a buzz saw

This is a pretty good way to find out what cedar smells like.

My advice is to go to an aromatherapy shop (if you have one nearby) and just smell the different essential oils.
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post #4 of 6
7/2/10 at 12:45pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks guys.

There's an all oak furniture store near me, maybe that would help too.

Onceling, I will also go to Lowe's and meander about in the lumber aisle.

I wish someone though, would make thread on woody notes. It's an often used term, yet in my searchings, I've never seen anyone bother to describe what may be good examples.
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post #5 of 6
7/2/10 at 8:06pm
Do you know someone that has a hampster cage with cedar chips. That fragrant smell is present
in many fine colognes.
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post #6 of 6
7/6/10 at 12:31pm
Wow, that's a good question. It's really almost impossible to describe a scent without a reference. Yes, you need to go sniff some wood. Better yet, buy some essential oils of various woods (and some Everclear).
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