Morten Bay Ash?

**naumanmp** · 11th January 2005, 02:28 PM

G'day all,
I was wondering if anybody knows the contemporary name (or better still the botanical name) of what is known here (central QLD) as "Morten Bay Ash"?
I can only find some vague references to it on the web in relation to old historical documents.
I have the opportunity to buy a few slabs of this timber, but would like to know a little more about its property's before I let it take up shed space.
They are well seasoned and have long since shed their bark, so that is no help.
The only other details I can offer are;
It seems to be 10 to 15% lighter than the equivalent Blue Gum Slabs (but these are slightly wetter).
The heart wood is very brown, almost like a walnut tone, with a thin light sap wood.
Some small gum veins in the heart wood, and some minor evidence of borers.
Any ideas/leads/references/suggestions welcome!!!!
Cheers,
Matt.

**PAH1** · 11th January 2005, 02:41 PM

According to FTA moreton bay ash is Eucalyptus tessellaris ie Carbeen. No uses listed in the description other than that. DPI QLD also list MB ash as a synonym of carbeen.

**naumanmp** · 11th January 2005, 03:32 PM

Ahhhhhhhhh, mor "E" ton, not morton.
No wonder my web search found nothing!
Many thanks.

**DanP** · 11th January 2005, 06:10 PM

Here's a link.

CLICK HERE

Dan

**naumanmp** · 20th January 2005, 07:57 PM

G'day all,
First, thanks heaps for the help in positively identifying this timber.

Does anyone have much experience or comments with this species (heartwood) as far as general cabinetry/joinery is concerned? So far I have tried some small test pieces with various glues, and it appeares that it will definately need sanding before any final fittup and glueing. Also, it seems to take an oil finish quite well (linseed and tung). Handplaning seems OK if a fairly steep blade angle is used and scraping has a very nice result. Most of the info that I can find (now that I am using the correct spelling!!!!!) suggests minimal distortion?
Cheers,
Matt.

**powderpost** · 21st January 2005, 10:58 PM

There are two trees known as moreton bay ash, eucalyptus tessellaris also known as carbeen, and eucalyptus papuana also known as white gum, cabbage gum, and pudding gum. This latter tree is often featured in aboriginal paintings from central Australia. Carbeen is described as a hard, heavy and tough timber, dressing well because of its greasy nature and often used for heavy construction work not in contact with the ground... Information from "Forest Trees of Australia" by Hall Johnston and Chippendale,
Jim

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