WoodSense EUCALYPTUS A look at lumber from down under By Ken Burton uying eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp) Some of the more common species century, and has thrived there. How- lumber in the United States is not you’ll find include Blue Gum (Eucalyptus ever, the wood from these non-native Bas straightforward as you might globulus),Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leu- residents has a dubious reputation for expect. While many exotic lumber deal- coxylon), Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), twisting, splitting, and checking badly ers list eucalyptus among their offerings, Lyptus (Eucalyptus urograndis), and Red as it dries. The Red Grandis and Lyptus exactly what you’re purchasing isn’t always Grandis (aka Rose Gum) (Eucalyptus lumber that finds its way here is grown clear. This is because the name “euca- grandis). These last two species with their on plantations in South America. lyptus” refers to a genus of trees rather trademarked names are of note because While it lacks some of the character than a specific species, and there are they are frequently grown on plantations of forest-grown wood, it compensates at least 15 different species that and are certifiably sustainable. The first with its very consistent grain and avail- are cut and sold as euca- two are nearly identical in appearance and ability in a wide variety of thicknesses, lyptus (or under their are often sold interchangeably. widths, and lengths. own name). Where the wood comes from History in woodworking In broad terms, most species of euca- Again, it depends on the species. The lyptus are native to Australia, but the Crate and Barrel chain has been using a trees have been introduced else- lot of Red Grandis in its line of sustain- where. Blue gum, for example, ably sourced furniture. The wood is being was brought to California touted as an environmentally friendly in the late nineteenth alternative to reddish, even-grained woods such as mahogany and sapele. Blue gum, another fast-growing tree, is frequently cultivated for use as pulp and fuel. Jarrah, on the other hand, is sought after for use as high-end flooring and for Plainly musical instrument making. Its dark red sustainable. color, hardness, and figure make it one While not visually of the more expensive eucalyptus variet- spectacular, Red ies—if you can find it. Jarrah has become Grandis Eucalyptus boasts increasingly difficult to source in the U.S. a certifiably “green” pedigree. TEXTURE TOXICITY ROT/INSECT RESISTANCE STABILITY HARDNESS DENSITY MEDIUM LOW MODERATE (RG, YG) LOW LOW-MEDIUM (RG) 40 LBS./CU. FT. (RG) HIGH (J) MEDIUM-HARD (YG, J) 53 LBS./CU. FT. (J) 62 LBS./CUT. FT. (YG) 58 RG: red grandis J: jarrah YG: yellow gum Three Shades of Eucalyptus. Red Grandis (left) could easily be mistaken for luaun while Yellow Gum (center) is reminiscent of cherry. Jarrah (right), is a bit of a ringer for bubinga. Selecting the best stock If you’re looking for individual pieces, Sycamore Working Notes especially with figure, your best bet is to select them in person or via photo- Upon unwrapping the Red Grandis boards I purchased for this story, graphs online. However, if you’re pur- I’ll admit I was a little underwhelmed. They were fine—wide, clear, chasing a quantity of plantation-grown and straight—but so visually uniform and consistent that I wasn’t lumber—say 30 or 40 board feet for a immediately drawn to them. However, after making the pieces in the cabinet job—you can confidently order photo below, the material has grown on me. Some observations: the pieces by size alone, as the stock is Red Grandis is relatively soft—similar to poplar and just as prone to denting. 1 remarkably consistent. As a cultivated Hand planing the wood is a losing battle at best: The ⁄8"-wide, tightly rowed “crop,” the trees are pruned and tended bands of surly grain tore out even as I ran my freshly sharpened block plane as they grow, so the resulting lumber down the slopes on the shelf’s back. Scraping worked better, although the is quite straight-grained and uniform. surface seemed to fuzz, so I ended up simply sanding everything. I had to Expect to pay about $9-10 per board be especially careful when sanding the routed chamfers. The wood is soft foot for Red Grandis, and upwards of enough that is was easy to dub over the profile, muddying its crispness. $25/bf for figured Jarrah. Red Grandis turned well, although I had a little trouble cutting clean shoulders with a parting tool, again due to the soft wood’s Working and finishing tendency to tear. Wiping varnish didn’t exactly make the grain “pop,” Red Grandis works well with both but it did add a nice glow to the reddish color of the wood. hand and power tools. Its grain is I also received a turning blank of jarrah, from which I made the bowl sitting frequently interlocked, which can be on the shelf in the photo. Despite its wild figure, the wood turned very well, troublesome when surfacing, partic- with virtually no tearout. What little there was sanded out easily with 80 grit. ularly with hand planes. With such After proceeding on up through 600 grit, this time the grain really did “pop” a board, try using a sharp scraper when I spun on the finish. I’ll be on the lookout for more jarrah to turn. n instead. The wood is soft enough that it sands quickly, so that is also a good alternative. It holds nails and screws well, accepts glue readily, and finishes Euc on Euc. The jarrah bowl’s rich dark color nicely with both water- and oil-based makes a pleasing contrast with the more stains and topcoats. subdued tones of the Red Grandis shelf. Eucalyptus Uses • Interior millwork • Cabinetry • Furniture • Turnings • Musical instruments • Flooring Photos: Ken Burton Feb/Mar 2020 | woodcraftmagazine.com 59 SUBSCRIBE! 2 YEARS for $29.99! go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click SUBSCRIBE -or- Complete the form below and mail in an envelope addressed to: WOODCRAFT MAGAZINE PO BOX 7020 PARKERSBURG WV 26102-9916 □ Payment Enclosed □ Bill Me Name Address City State Zip Country E-mail Best-ever DECORATIVE FINISHES Build Better Send in now to get LUMBER RACK Done Right with a CUT LIST Projects, Techniques and Products Build this 2 Years for $29.99! classic SPICE BOX And learn how to… Dovetail a case Divide a cabinet into compartments or go to woodcraftmagazine.com and click SUBSCRIBE Create a cornice By providing my e-mail address, I am indicating I’d like to receive information about my subscription and other offers from Woodcraft Magazine via e-mail. Outside of the U.S and Canada add $30 for postage. 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