White Beech 

Gmelina spp.

Description

This large hardwood grows through northern NSW, into QLD, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The heartwood is a very pale brown, almost white. It is very greasy and takes years to dry.

Workability

Machines well but terrible to sand.  It clogs paper very quickly.

Applications

Mostly in boatbuilding and outdoor furniture.  Carves very well.

Availability

Limited.

Hardness

Janka 2.9   500kg/m3. Not hard.

Durability

Very good.  Used for boat decking.

At a Glance

Turning:		Good
Machining:		Good
Bending:		Poor
Sanding:		Hopeless
Nailing/Screwing:		Good
Glueing:		Hopeless
Timber Coating:		Hopeless
Oil:		Oils well
Note 1		This is a fantastic timber albeit of limited uses.
Note 2