Potential of Western Australian Eastern Goldfields timbers for high quality wood products

Summary

The utilisation potential of six species growing in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia (Dundas blackbutt (Eucalyptus dundasii Maiden), York gum (E. loxophleba Benth.), gimlet (E. salubris F. Muell.), redwood (E. transcontinental Maiden), mulga (Acacia aneura F. Muell. ex Benth.) and northern cypress pine (Callitris columellaris F. Muell. sens, lat.)) were assessed. The results of sawing, drying and processing indicated that high dried dressed recoveries are achieveable from logs of small end diameter underbark (s.e.d.u.b.) between 140 mm and 300 mm. Mean basic densities ranged from 654 kg/m3 to 956 kg/m3 and air-dried densities from 773 kg/m3 to 1 185 kg/m3. The sawing, drying and processing features of each species are discussed. The boards produced were made into edge-and-face-glued panels, indicating that high density species such as Dundas blackbutt, gimlet, redwood and mulga must be cold pressed to allow adhesive penetration before setting. Hot pressing gave good results with northern cypress pine, but less satisfactory results with York gum. The potential for establishing an industry based on the Goldfields timber resource is discussed.