Thread: Myrtle question

Keith, "oil spots". Are these dark blotches? Maybe a little "Tiger" figure. Some pics might help us, help you.

No not dark spots, much like it has had something wet flicked onto it. But I know this was not the case.
I know what tiger features look like.

Regards
Keith

Have you got a picture of the myrtle or finished box? I reckon it would help greatly.

I have a large amount of myrtle boards on my ceiling and parts do have darker blotches that look a bit like knots in the timber overall it is a very small percentage.

On further inspection, I think that this piece of myrtle had the beginnings of knots which has made the area darker than the surrounding wood.
Not the best look though, as it is not an attractive feature.

Many thanks to those who took the time to answer.
Regards
Keith

Knots (ie branches ) start form the heart and grow with the tree. Without photos we can only guess what your spots may be. I have seen dark colouration in the timber adjacent to rot in myrtle. Will see if I can get a photo today.

Tony

See attached photo of a turning blank cut up to the edge of the centre rot.

Originally Posted by pedro66

I purchased what looked like a nice piece of Tas myrtle.
After resawing and thicknessing, the surface has blotches which looks like oil spots, which it is not.
I continued to make a box with it, but after applying a finish the blotches are still there and look terrible.
Is this a common thing with myrtle? I like the colour and workability of the wood, but are now reluctant to buy more.
Can someone please comment.

Regards
Keith

Hi Keith

Myrtle sometimes has dark lines often referred to as "tiger figure", sometimes this figuring is very dark, more like blackheart in sassafras. Google tiger myrtle. Is this what you have?

Perhaps some pictures.


Fair Winds

Graeme

Hi Graeme,

I have some tiger myrtle and know it well, but what I was describing is nothing like tiger.
The myrtle I am referring to is very plain, apart from the spots which are a few shades darker.
I will see if I can get a picture up over the weekend.

Regards
Keith

Wow! maybe you have some "leopard myrtle".
Even rarer than tiger myrtle.
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