Recently purchased an 8/4 X 10″ X 8′ plank of Jarrah. It was on sale at Rockler for 60 bucks.
I bought it because I’d never heard of it.. and because it’s a beautiful piece of wood. It’s a very dense, very heavy, almost rocklike, eucalyptus species from Australia.
I was told it is very difficult to work.. so I’m looking for something simple I can build with it.. perhaps a simple garden bench.
If I go that way.. I’m thinking of lopping 15″ off each end and attaching these pieces to the resulting slab six inches in from either side with through mortises.. or maybe hidden mortises to form the bench.
I would greatly appreciate any other ideas folk might have.
TIA
Bill
Replies
Bill,
It is used a lot for outdor applications in Australia (BBQ stands, decking etc) and will fade over time to a dark grey. Looks good with an oil finish, but is so open pored that I wouldn't bother with any of the film finishes outdoors. It isnot nearly as difficult to work as some of the other eucalypts, although it is fairly hard and narrow points tend to crumble.
It is nice for cabinet work. Have a look here for some contempory examples sold around my area: http://www.bwoodworks.com.au/gallery-ie.html
I made a small french polished box two years ago with a silding dovetail lid (case for a polished brass plumb bob). No difficulties and really nice colour. I have also done a cabinet about 30*40" with raised panel sides and front door. The panels and some interior doors were Sydney bluegum, all finished with oil over a coat of shellac. Nice soft finish.
David
Thanks, David. The furniture made from Jarrah at the Gallery in your area is beautiful.
It has me now thinking about cutting the board in half.. resawing it.. and then using the resulting boards to make a nice table or desk top.
I hope to be able to purchase more Jarrah.. it is a beautiful wood.
Bill
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