Author Topic: Has anyone worked with Eucalyptus?  (Read 1817 times)

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Offline Sidewinder

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Has anyone worked with Eucalyptus?
« on: February 11, 2011, 11:18:32 am »
I ran across a source that has an abundance of "Lyptus" boards. Its beautiful stuff, Salmon in color and seems very dense. Wikipedia says its a hybrid of two types of eucalyptus that grows faster than regular. Does anyone know what its strengths or weaknesses are in relation to tension and compression? Isn't there listed somewhere a density chart on various woods?   Danny
"You know a tree by the fruit it bears"   God

Offline Pat B

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Re: Has anyone worked with Eucalyptus?
« Reply #1 on: February 11, 2011, 11:27:40 am »
There are a few species of Eucalyptus that will make bows. Whether this variety will or not I don't know. If it is reasonably priced give it a try and let us know.
Make the most of all that comes and the least of all that goes!    Pat Brennan  Brevard, NC

Offline Sidewinder

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Re: Has anyone worked with Eucalyptus?
« Reply #2 on: February 11, 2011, 11:50:25 am »
I suppose I should conduct my first bend test and compare it to the osage and hickory I have on hand.  Does anyone know what the general density of Eucalyptus is? I say general because as I have fouund out there are tons of various species and I also understand that can vary from tree to tree, but I am just curious. I figure if it is realy dense than it will give me a good idea as to whether or not to make it wider or narrower.I really don't want to waste my time on one if the odds are not at least 50/50. Call me lazy I guess.   Danny
"You know a tree by the fruit it bears"   God

Offline JackCrafty

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Re: Has anyone worked with Eucalyptus?
« Reply #3 on: February 11, 2011, 02:54:20 pm »
I tried Eucalyptus and I seem to remember that it was very similar to red oak, but harder and more brittle.  The bow broke during floor tillering and I threw the rest of the board away.  I was just starting to experiment with ipe at the time, and the Eucalyptus didn't even come close to the excellent properties of ipe.
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Offline Del the cat

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Re: Has anyone worked with Eucalyptus?
« Reply #4 on: February 11, 2011, 02:55:42 pm »
I've just pruned a nice limb of a Eucalyptus in my garden, dunno if it will be any good, but I'll rip it and set it aside season.
Del
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