Turpentine

(Syncarpia glomulifera.)

Description

This large hardwood grows in high rainfall areas between Sydney and Cairns. The heartwood is a reddish brown with paler sapwood. It has a very fine grain which is sometimes interlocked and has no gum veins. Surface checking is not uncommon.

Workability

Silica in the dry timber tends to blunt cutting edges quite quickly. It does, however, produce a fine smooth finish off the machines. Extractives make it difficult to glue.

Applications

Heavy construction, flooring and decking. Recently the availability of other kiln dried sizes mean it is possible to produce steps and benchtops and various internal joinery items.

Availability

Reasonably Good.

Hardness

Janka 12 930Kg/m3. Very very tough.

Durability

Excellent durability. Used for wharf construction.

At a Glance

Turning:		Good.
Machining:		Average.
Bending:		Good.
Sanding:		Very good.
Nailing/Screwing:		Good but pre-drill.
Glueing:		Difficult.
Timber Coating:		Accepts most coatings.
Oil:		Oils Well
Note 1		Excellent for dance floors. Also known as "Lustre"
Note 2