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  1. #1
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    Default Is this Grevillea (Silky Oak)

    I hope I have properly attached a photograph of the piece of wood which I have recently turned into a very shallow dish. Is it Grevillea, (Silky Oak) Grevillea robusta, or is it Banksia (Banksia integrifolia)?
    The photo file seems a reasonably good representation of the colour, although the flash was a bit close.

    The next question is what finish to apply.

    I've tried some Organoil hard burnishing oil on two pieces of Banksia which is not dis-similar in colour and figuring, one with sanding sealer, and one without. Without sanding sealer the colour of the Banksia darkened considerably. As I've not used the Organoil before, I will welcome any comments on what's best to use.

    The next question is what finish to apply. So far its sanded to 220 grit, so I will welcome any comments.

    Cheers,

    ROB NZ

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  3. #2
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    Default

    Definitely Silky Oak
    Cheers

    DJ


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  4. #3
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by djstimber View Post
    Definitely Silky Oak
    yeah but there must be 20 or more timbers called silky oak!

    CHeers
    Michael

  5. #4
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    Default

    Rob

    It's certainly similar to the silky oak I've used.
    I wouldn't dare say what the best finish is to use, but I've used both Minwax and shellac, and very happy with both. Minwax seems to give it more of a golden colour, shellac seems to be the more natural. Can't help you with the oil - sorry.

    For sanding, I normally go to a minimum of 400 grit, and often even finer if I'm feeling particularly anal.

    The first photo is Minwax, the second shellac. Hope the colour gives some indication.

    Regards
    Des

  6. #5
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    Default

    It looks identical to the coast banksia I've used - see http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com...=coast+banksia

    It could be either, but my guess is B. Integrifolia.
    It didn't warp as much as I thought it would when drying, was quite good to work and came up well when sanded to 800 and oiled.
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  7. #6
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    Default

    I'd agree with Alex.
    B. integrifolia.
    Its a bit softer and lighter weight than G. robusta and usually somewhat redder. Medullary rays are quite pronounced.
    Brian

  8. #7
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    Default

    looks like robusta, does it smell 'cheesy' when turned or worked...?

  9. #8
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    Default

    If the flash was a bit close Im guessing the color in the photo is a bit "washed" or brighter than the piece of wood right? not a lot just a bit lighter colored than in reality... I may be wrong but I go with Banksia
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  10. #9
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    Looks exactly like my (Silky Oak) Grevillea robusta when milled. Also known here as southern silky oak

  11. #10
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    Colour-wise it looks exactly like grevillea robusta, but I've never seen any with quite so much "flash" (medullary rays). Never worked with any Banksia so can't comment there.

    Mick
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  12. #11
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    Pretty hard to tell them apart, although I reckon banksia is a bit pinker. Reeves is on the money with the smell when turning being the difference, although I'd have said the smell was more like doggy doos than cheese for silky oak.
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  13. #12
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    Default Grevillea or Banksia

    Thanks to everyone for the responses.
    I see we have two basic replies, so until Woodwork Forum gives us some means of swapping bits of wood through the electronix, thats about as far as we can take it.

    The score is 6 Silky oak, 4 Banksia.

    As to smell, I can't say that when I turned it, about 2 weeks ago now, I noticed any smell. I was too busy watching the workpiece fly around, as I tried to hold the tool steady in the gaps between the four corners while they whizzed past, if you understand what I mean. I think I would have noticed the "doggy doos" had there been any.

    Thanks to all again and b.t.w what a wonderful community we have linked together by WW Forum

    Cheers,

    ROB NZ

  14. #13
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    Default

    I'll vote silky oak too.

    Where did you get it from?
    Cliff.
    If you find a post of mine that is missing a pic that you'd like to see, let me know & I'll see if I can find a copy.

  15. #14
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    Default

    Grevillea robusta has a very distinct smell, as has already been said. Somewhere between cheese and cat pee.
    If you can't smell this then I would vote banksia integrifolia.
    (Or you've lost your sense of smell!)
    Jack the Lad.

  16. #15
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    I am almost 100% sure it is silky oak.
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