There are many species that are in the Eucalyptus genus. Some are small and produce leaves for
floral arrangements; others (including
jarrah, and also blue gum, karri and
Tasmanian oak) produce excellent
timber and lumber products. Jarrah,
Eucalyptus marginata, is a dark red
wood with outstanding strength and
stiffness. This species, also called Swan
River mahogany in the past, is found
along the coastal area of Southwest
Australia, and is imported into the U.S.
The tree itself can up to 150 feet
tall and often over 5 feet in diameter,
which means a lot of clear lumber. In
fact, this species is one of the most
important timber species in Australia.
Oftentimes, lumber and timbers are
from old buildings being demolished.
In addition to the properties mentioned, it has natural decay resistance.
Historically, the leaves and bark of
this tree provided cures for fever, colds,
skin diseases and snake bites.
In addition to traditional uses for
furniture and cabinets, if you need a
beautiful red hard floor or are making
furniture for outdoor use, including
hot tubs, this is the premium species.
Jarrah is also prized for percussion
instruments and guitar inlays. Because
of its natural color, the wood can be
finished with wax alone. ;
Jarrah
Member of Eucalyptus family is excellent for furniture.
; Want more? For more on this and other species, search the Wood Explorer collection at woodworkingnetwork.com/wood-explorer
by Gene Wengert
wooddoc@uwalumni.com WOOD EXPLORER
Processing
suggestions and
characteristics
Density. The specific gravity of green
lumber is 0.68, or about 42 pounds per
cubic foot. The lumber weight, when
dried to 6 percent MC, is over 4 pounds
per board foot. This is nearly 20 percent
heavier than red oak.
Drying and Stability. This wood
dries slowly often with considerable risk
of warp. Generally, the wood is dried
similarly to American oak.
Gluing and Machining. Unless
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tools are very sharp, this is a difficult species to machine, due to its high density.
Interlocked grain also means that machining equipment must be in perfect operating order to avoid pockets or streaks of
chipped grain.
Strength. Due to its high density,
jarrah’s strength and stiffness are exceptionally high. For dry wood, the ultimate
strength (MOR) is 16,200 psi, stiffness
(MOE) is 1. 88 million psi and hardness is
1910 pounds.
Color and Grain. Heartwood is dark
red brown, darkening somewhat with
exposure. The surface texture is somewhat
coarse with many small open pores. Surfaces would not be consider exceptionally smooth. Grain is usually quite straight.
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