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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2002
    Location
    Wallington, Victoria
    Age
    58
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    262

    Default is eucalyptus any good to turn (for tool handles)

    Wondering if anyone can tell me what eucalpytus is like to turn and what its like as a wood ie strength, warping, splitting. Not sure what the type is but its a tall thin tree with a pale, smooth thin bark (like a snow gum but it aint!!!). Grows pretty straight.

    Just that we had one come down recently so today I cut them into managable lengths, turned them into cylinders and waxed the ends. I was thinking about turning some 16inch tool handles from them as all my tools currently are short ones. Is it worth it or should I just use them to practise my technique on??
    prove how bored u really are, ..... visit....... http://burlsburlsburls.freespaces.com/ my humble website

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Mackay Qld
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    50
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    1,448

    Default

    I have two tools with gum handles. One spotted the other Blue, and they are both good. I also have a Blue gum 'dont argue' stick (For my 1 year old daughter's boyfriends when she starts wanting them in 15 years) and it hasn't warped or split. It looks good too
    mick
    Mick

    avantguardian

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2002
    Location
    Melbourne, Aus.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    12,746

    Default

    Rowan, between the genuses of gum (genii?) there are about 700 species. And it's not easy to clearly identify them.

    So suck it and see.

    Spotted gum as Mick says is good stuff. Ditto Jarrah (from memory euc marginata), redgum (euc camaldulensis?) etc.

    'Ash' is only fair (regnans, delegatensis, messmate).

    I had some unidentified pale euc out of a pile of house framing scraps that turned fine when still a bit green and was useless dry.
    Cheers, Ern

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Kentucky NSW near Tamworth, Australia
    Age
    85
    Posts
    3,737

    Default

    If you have a look in Bunnings at the axe handles and log splitter handles you will find that the majority of them are made from Stringy Bark.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Darwin, Northern Territory
    Age
    48
    Posts
    315

    Default

    I made a couple of handles for my hand saws out of a bit of red wood, and they are working great. But then again I am not swinging a one kilogram weight on the end and slamming it into a bit of wood.
    "Last year I said I'd fix the squeak in the cupbaord door hinge... Right now I have nearly finished remodelling the whole damn kitchen!"

    [email protected]

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Sydney
    Posts
    604

    Default

    I made some of my handles from spotted gum a couple of years back and they have been great. The rest of the chisells were bought with handles and will be replaced with spotted gum if they break.

    If it ain't broke don't fix it.

    Ross

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Darwin, Northern Territory
    Age
    48
    Posts
    315

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ross
    If it ain't broke don't fix it.
    I agree totally!
    "Last year I said I'd fix the squeak in the cupbaord door hinge... Right now I have nearly finished remodelling the whole damn kitchen!"

    [email protected]

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 1999
    Location
    East of Melbourne.Vic. Australia
    Posts
    904

    Default

    What do you think the early settlers made most of everything from? Tool handles to fences to houses.
    I have made several chisel handles from kd hardwood,mostly mountain ash, (E. regnans.)
    Jack the Lad.

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