WTF is Jarrah?

Jarrah (thats Eucalyptus marginata, not E. Margarine) is a tree native to Western Australia. Rich red colour, heavy, and abusive towards your tools.
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[@rogerbayzand4455]

Glad to hear you mention the "cobblestones", I understand it was used in the well off areas of London to pave the streets so the iron shod wheels of the carts would not disturb the local inhabitants. We found a sailing ship wreck off the South coast of England that still had it's cargo of Jarrah and even having been on the seabed for over 100 years it was in really good condition and we turned one piece into a magnificent mantlepiece.

[@Eccentric_Villain]

Jarrah is commonly found in old houses in WA. I made a coffee table in year 10 from an old house doorframe we processed. It’s now quite a few years later (ehem, 17 years) my Mum still uses it and it has outlasted the other pieces of furniture my mum has had over the years. Since my children are getting older they have expressed an interest in woodworking, sparking my love for it once again. I absolutely love Jarrah, it’s very hardy.

[@havoc3742]

So, we bought this really old house, 50's, 60's design from a builder who built it himself, had it inspected recently, and found out the entire roof, possibly the entire frame is made of Jarrah. so, the roof alone is worth a fortune

[@emceeboogieboots1608]

Mine too, but I am from WA. I want to bung on a second story and my plan is to recover the roof timbers for furniture ☺️

[@Lowbattery_fpv]

Hi ! Great video. Do you know if jarrah can be stabilized? As eucaliptus it can contain oils? Thanks

[@joejdl]

Great video Paul - brought back memories. I now live in London but grew up in WA, and miss being able to source jarrah! BTW, jarrah was historically used a lot in the UK for railway sleepers... Cheers, JD

[@cobberpete1]

Was going to mention that but you beat me to it ;D

[@emceeboogieboots1608]

@@cobberpete1 and paving roads! Seems such a waste now😥

[@heuwel]

They have used Jarrah as railway and mine sleeprs here in South Africa in the older days...I guess it was imported, I dont know. I managed to get a few old sleepers and worked with it but as you said it is very hard on tools....

[@TheSuitsBand]

Great vid. While I certainly wouldn't make a jarrah guitar, I have a very fine snare drum made from jarrah staves and it's an absolute beauty.

[@lowfatedes]

Jarrah's a world-renowned tonewood. Used in perhaps the most sought after snare drums in the world.

[@PatrickWitherow]

Yup, Brady Drums (from Perth) used Jarrah blocks and plies to make some of the best sounding drums. I've got a Jarrah block snare and a York Gum snare. Amazing instruments.

[@Chippie-O]

Other tips; Predrill holes, for nails or screws, and keep a small jar of olive oil and dip the tip of long screws into it prior to driving them in. Thanks very much Paul, great to here somebody talking about this hard to work with but under valued timber.

[@emceeboogieboots1608]

And sniff the smoke from drilling 😋

[@cobberpete1]

I have a few growing on my property. A friend wants to drop them and slab them. Not a fan of Jarrah, as you say, hard to work with, but use it occasional. I look for the light as a posed to the dark. Made a few hand tools, knowing they will out last me.

[@ChrisCNZ]

So I watched this vid, got inspired, bought some jarrah and now nearly finishing a butcher block. However, finishing and sanding the end grains is making the finish go black - presuming the oil/gum is overheating and burning. What do suggest to remediate this? Continue sanding at slower speed/lower pressure, or is there a trick im missing?

[@TheWoodKnight]

If it's burning, yes, go slower and make sure the sand paper is fresh. You shouldn't need to sand the finish in though. Sand the wood (dry) up to to 180 or 220 grit, then let the mineral oil soak in

[@ChrisCNZ]

@@TheWoodKnight Thanks boss, worked a treat. I went over it again on as slow as the orbital would allow and while it didnt get rid of all the burn marks, did improve somewhat. The oil application did the rest. Now it looks pukka as!

[@PatrickWitherow]

Brady Drums (from Perth) used Jarrah blocks and Jarrah plies to make some of the best sounding drums. Along with Sheoak and Wandoo. I've got a Jarrah block snare and a York Gum blocl snare. Amazing instruments. The grain on the York Gum is bonkers.

[@MrBassjan]

Just got a Wood sample library somewhere. And it includes some samples of jarrah and tasmanian oak! :o (never saw one of those woods in real life before)

[@curtiseagleeyemullin]

Hey there! What eucalyptus wood would you suggest (or would you?) to make a 4' deep jacuzzi, instead of cedar? It seems to me that there is a species of eucalyptus that grows in bogs called rainbow eucalyptus. But am uncertain if it is more like pine than cedar...

[@TheWoodKnight]

If you're using feet, you're probably in America, meaning I have no idea what's available to you. Not all eucalypts are exported, and there is likely a better option available

[@curtiseagleeyemullin]

I see, I meant in Australia; say about 1.5 metres... but from what I am discovering, it seems to crack too much for water-tight projects. I was thinking 10 Cm x 1.5 Cm x 1.5 M boards, or something -- for the aromatic properties etc.. But it appears that this species is more of a poplar soft wood than a cedar type of wood. Is this about right? You guys also grow cedar in Australia so maybe it is best to go with that...

[@Heseblesens]

Very nice video! I have a few railway sleepers of Jarrah. It is heavy and brutal to my hand tools, but as you say it is a beautiful wood.

[@watcher4127]

Great vid. What would you recommend to coat Jarrah wood set outdoor with?

[@TheWoodKnight]

It depends. Direct weather (sunlight, rain, etc) will effect it, how often you want to refinish will play into it, etc. Decking oil or exterior grade varnish (often labelled 'marine poly') would cover most applications

[@LostWhits]

I've seen Jarrah that was white, pink and almost black before. Love it. Worst thing is the furniture all gets stained before being shipped for sale on the east. Apparently alot of complaints happen if it's not stained.

[@TheWoodKnight]

I have seen very little Jarrah furniture at all here in Victoria - I guess I don't go to high end enough shops :D

[@haynesconnect2081]

Knowledgeable intresting and witty great video

[@leongt1954]

There is a wood from NZ called Rimu but I have never seen anyone turn it and only a couple of vids turning Jarrah

[@ArchEdge]

Morning Paul - Question regarding Australian Hardwoods and Moisture Meters - they all seem to be american based, with modes representing the hardness catagory of the wood... Is it a matter of finding the hardness rating of the australian wood and comparing it to the closest mode option?

[@TheWoodKnight]

I've never actually used a moisture meter, sorry!

[@johnkupa8885]

In Papua New Guinea we call it Gum tree its used mainly for truss and building frames, not used in furniture that often..

[@johnmaxwell1750]

Has anyone seen any tables or platform beds made with Jarrah?

[@SteveisTall]

Great idea for a series mate. May I request a segment on Gidgee please?

[@TheWoodKnight]

I'll add it to the list, but it wont' be for awhile - gidgee is difficult to come across chunks larger than a pen blank!

[@emceeboogieboots1608]

Mmmm....love the smell of friction burning Jarrah when drilling. Should be an incense

[@maleahlock]

That is my absolute favourite smell. Yessss.

[@jethro_xd]

I just made a slingshot frame out of jarrha. I like the wood. I found it a joy to tool. Very happy with the finished product. I came here to learn how to pronounce "jarrha", thank you. I'm in Michigan usa thats why I'm not sure how to pronounce it. Now I'm sure.

[@johnmaxwell1750]

Jethro, what rules/restrictions apply to importing Jarrah to the US?

[@jethro_xd]

@@johnmaxwell1750 none that I'm aware of. It has been several years since I bought any. Last time I got jarrha, I got enough to last me a few projects. Bought it at a local lumber yard known for a good selection of exotic woods. So, I can't really comment on import rules as of today. Sorry I can't be of better help.

[@johnmaxwell1750]

@@jethro_xd - Thanks for your reply.

[@BrodeySheppard]

I see you got your garage door insulated! that's awesome! I see you went with ThermaDoor, I'd love to see a video on your thoughts on it!

[@mattcoutts1664]

Brodey Sheppard check out Paul's other channel, he's outlined it on there. :)

[@TheWoodKnight]

I don't think you're after buying advice Brodey ;)

[@callansturgeon8356]

It’s used a lot for jetty’s and is fantastic fire wood.

[@benthebonza5947]

My house is built out of jarrah. I also use it for fire wood.

[@jeffrp14]

Ben Piercy you sadist

[@liamboland8158]

Making 50m in cuts of 50mm thick jarrah and went through three 230mm circular saw blades. Insanely hard and stinky

[@MatthewSherriff85]

I've been told water based poly finishes fail to cure on jarrah, have you heard of this?

[@TheWoodKnight]

I have never experienced that, and I doubt it would be an issue. Jarrah isn't an oily wood, it doesn't have anything that inhibits adhesion

[@martycar2395]

Jarrah is often confused with Marri & Karri they are all hard woods native to south western Western Australia and Perth areas We’re I live in the Kalamunda (Perth hills ) was a timber milling area in the 1800s into late 1900s Marri & Karri is still used in timber roofs sometimes. Marri & Karri is were you get some colour changes Hope this helps may add more confusion

[@Hotwingz911]

Damn you are a wood hero

[@kangacrew540]

Best decking in the business. That's what the f is Jarrah. The colour is amazing

[@Q8.Muslim]

LOOOL jarrah is also an Arabian Name and my cousin name is jarrah, the meaning of this name is: the surgeon 😅

[@chronometa]

I'm here because I thought I wanted my Headphones to be made with this until you said it's not used for instruments lol.

[@TheWoodKnight]

Headphones are a little different from acoustic instruments. While you'll see some change one way or another with the tone, its not going to have as much effect as using say.. jarrah on a guitar would.

[@chronometa]

@@TheWoodKnight interesting, thanks. I think the company uses wood for density and speed. You would appreciate this. www.zmfheadphones.com/wood

[@joewarwaruk7656]

Cool videos. Maybe a "WTF is camphor laurel"

[@SimopsAus]

Joe Warwaruk love this wood. Fantastic for chopping boards as it has a natural disinfectant property. Easy to machine with hand tools and love the smell it produces when working it👍👍👍

[@TheWoodKnight]

Camphor is cool, but its not an Australian native! I'll start with natives first ;)

[@elmohead]

Chinese tree. Borderline weed here in NSW. The eucalyptus trees in the Blue mountains are slowly getting replaced by these guys. They constantly shed their leaves, sort of poisoning the ground and preventing everything else from competing.

[@Goalsplus]

Sometimes I think we only have 3 types of timber in W.A. : pine jarrah and treated pine. No, 5 there's also pine and treated pine! I'm always looking for something different.

[@TheWoodKnight]

You forgot Marri, which is half woodworking, half resin casting with all those sap veins!

[@Goalsplus]

@@TheWoodKnight Don't get me wrong, there's other species at the hardware and timber stores but not many and they're a lot more expensive.

[@emceeboogieboots1608]

@@TheWoodKnight yeah, you don't find it at Bunnings but it can look amazing with a heavy resin finish

[@maleahlock]

I love working with jarrah, but I must admit, my chisels get pretty annoyed at me :-D Also my house is made of jarrah. The colour of the wood when the sun hits it is *chefs kiss*

[@CarpenterForAnts]

Red gum for the win

[@pistolpeds]

Railway sleepers were jarah

[@oakleyjack7600]

So, most snaggle-toothed termites live predominantly in Western Australia .

[@Biggus63]

Jarrah isn't nearly the hardest wood we have here in WA. After trying to eat Wandoo (also known as white gum) the termites would think Jarrah was a salad.

[@MarcelloFabretti]

@@Biggus63 Wandoo is the worst! Burns better than Marri at least.

[@mycroftholmes3386]

Easy - Jarrah is expensive unobtainium, unless you live in WA - the state that refuses to share.

[@TheWoodKnight]

Every hardwood dealer I've been to stocks it.

[@mycroftholmes3386]

@@TheWoodKnight Every hardwood dealer I have been to does to, except I have never been to a hardwood dealer because, in general, they don't exist - and, of course, even if the did it would still be expensive. BTW I would be interested in hearing about a "hardwood dealer" that don't advertise themselves as "flooring dealers" and therein lies the rub, flooring has tied itself to housing prices - understandably.

[@TheWoodKnight]

handsomeandco.com/where-to-buy-furniture-grade-timber-in-melbourne/ www.mgfw.com.au/links/specialty-timber-and-veneers/ I've been to four by searching for "Hardwood +". If you're not in an urban area, it is likely to be harder to find, but that comes with the territory for rural Australia.

[@Biggus63]

Lol, jarrah is ALL I can get easily down here in jarrah country apart from frickin radiata pine. I look at the wide selection of timbers you have over east with envy.

[@jaramarvelous715]

My name is Jara lol

[@user-op9hb4dv3t]

my name is jarrah !? 🙂

[@versatileduplicity9313]

Abusive to tools ?!

[@sumosprojects]

Good overview mate, I hate Jarrah it’s a nightmare to work with due to the information you’ve given, I pity furniture transporters who had to barge ass this heavy material around & it’s best used for construction grade projects 👍👍👍

[@thomothomo1078]

Nonsense.It is perfectly easy to use if you have decent machinery.It is very consistent,air dries well and is stable.

[@AlienEntity90]

And god has plenty names

[@AusMiner]

Not a fan of Jarrah here - I have plenty of it out in the back yard. Great for structural timber (lasts for ages) - my house in Kalgoorlie is all Jarrah frame. But if you want to do things like replacing a roof section etc - you have to pre-drill every hole. No chance of driving nails or even self tapping screws into well seasoned Jarrah. For timber work (especially wood turning), I much prefer the locally sourced Salmon Gum. Much greater colour variation and grain patterns than Jarrah. Quite a bit heavier / more dense than Jarrah, but not as hard / abrasive on the tools. And if you know where to look, there is no shortage of it in the area. I went out and cut a ute load of turning blanks and spindles on Sunday.

[@SteveisTall]

If you want more there are lots of large logs near Ora Banda where they are doing road works.

[@AusMiner]

Thanks for that Steve. I'll go for a drive out that way and have a look. I've found a good supply of Salmon Gum plus a bit of Black Butt out near Coolgardie - always good to have a few options.

[@warefairsoda]

More than one name - djarraly is the Noongar word for jarrah.

[@IrishChippy]

Gum

[@Pete.G]

No thanks I just ate

[@IrishChippy]

hahaha

[@cobberpete1]

Yes, and sometimes large resin channels through the wood, can be a pain in the backside

[@adrianraddock62]

Blah Blah, Get to the point 🙄

[@gladiatorfingertips9564]

He was on Jackass wasn't he?

[@seggsy2]

BREH my name is JARRAH :(