Tallowwood
Eucalyptus microcorys
Distribution and Availability
Found in coastal wet sclerophyll forests from Newcastle, New South Wales to Maryborough and Fraser Island, Queensland. s a Eucalypt species native to and common in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It grows in forests near the coast on moderate to fertile soils in a protected, sunny position
General Description
The timber is naturally oily with a high tannin content. It has a distinct yellowish-brown to olive-green colour. The leaves can be used to dye wool and silk. The sapwood is a light pale straw in appearance, with gum veins often visible. The heartwood ranges from pale golden yellow to dark yellow brown, occasionally a slight pinkish colour can be sourced.
The texture of the timber is moderately coarse, generally with an interlocked grain relatively free of gum veins. Figure is lacking, but tallowwood has a distinctive lustre and greasy appearance.
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Tallowwood is an extremely hard and durable timber with good strength properties. The timber is naturally greasy Untreated, the sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer attack, but remains termite resistant. The texture of the timber is moderately coarse, generally with an interlocked grain relatively free of gum veins.
Working Properties
Tallowwood is very hard (rated 1 on a 6-class scale) in relation to indentation, yet is relatively easy to work with hand tools due to the timber’s natural greasiness – hence the species’ common name. It machines and turns well, readily accepts paint, stain and polish, and is amenable to the use of standard fittings and fastenings. Pre-drilling is recommended for nailing and screwing. Tallowood does not react well to steam bending. Gluing can cause problems due to the timber’s natural oils, however, this can be stripped prior to gluing.
Durability
Tallowwood timber products show exceptional durability in both in-ground and aboveground application. Although tallowwood is highly resistant to decay and will withstand damp and wet conditions quite well, its sapwood is susceptible to lyctid borer (powder post beetle) attack.
Main Uses
Historically, Tallowwood has been used for bearings, mallet heads, mauls, wheel spokes, and tool handles. Current engineering applications include wharf and bridge construction (as sawn and round timber), railway sleepers, cross-arms, poles, piles and mining timbers. Construction uses range from unseasoned framing to dressed timber cladding, internal and external flooring, linings and joinery. Tallowwood is also used in fencing, landscaping and the construction of retaining walls. Decorative uses include outdoor furniture, turnery and joinery. Other applications include boat building, the construction of coaches, carriages and agricultural machinery, and structural plywood.
Other Information
Tallowwood is so named owing to the greasy feel of the wood when cut. It is one of the species whose leaves are used for food by Koalas.
